BENGALURU: Karnataka has witnessed a significant rise in divorce cases post-Covid, with experts attributing the trend to shifting societal values, financial stress and changing family dynamics. While the number of divorce filings peaked in 2022, the figures declined in the following years, only to surge again in early 2025.
Bengaluru in top 3 this year
Responding to a question by Mandya MLC Madhu G Madegowda during the budget session, law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil said Karnataka recorded 66,863 divorce petitions in 2022, the highest in five years. The numbers saw a drop in 2023 (41,234 cases) and 2024 (36,952 cases), but the trend remains a concern as 5,576 divorce applications have already been filed in the first two months of 2025.
Govt data shows 20,454 divorces were filed in 2020, increasing to 24,141 in 2021, before surging in 2022. Experts link this to the pandemic's impact on relationships.
Professor Komala M of University of Mysore said India's divorce rate has doubled in the past two decades and noted that young adults aged 20-35 are driving the surge, with Bengaluru among the top three cities recording higher divorce rates in 2025. She explained that while court closures and financial instability delayed separations during Covid, many couples later acted on postponed decisions, leading to a sharp rise in cases.
Dr Raveesh BN, head of psychiatry at Mysuru Medical College, attributed the increase to evolving relationship expectations and weakening family bonds. "Materialistic love has replaced value-based relationships, and the misconception that family sacrifices compromise personal values is damaging marriages," he said. "But family disputes can push children toward anti-social behaviour."
Legal professionals have noted the growing burden on family courts. Advocate Prathapa Rudra Murthy highlighted Mysuru's situation, stating that the city had only two family courts four years ago but now has four due to the rising number of cases. "One can imagine the situation in Bengaluru. Most divorces occur within the first five years of marriage. Ego clashes, lack of elder guidance, nuclear family stress, social media influence, and career pressures are key reasons," he added.
Some experts believe forced proximity during lockdowns intensified pre-existing conflicts, while financial stress, job losses and caregiving responsibilities heightened tensions. The post-pandemic period saw many reassess their relationships, leading to both breakups and stronger marriages. Some prioritized mental health over staying in unhappy unions, while economic instability forced others to delay separation. With divorce rates reshaping family structures, experts emphasise the need for preventive measures. "Premarital counselling, emotional intelligence training, and strengthening family bonds can help reverse this trend," they said.