The Indian Position So FarWhen the Hindu Marriage Act was enacted in 1955, divorce was cautiously introduced through limited fault-based grounds such as adultery, cruelty, and desertion. Australia – The Family Law Act, 1975 requires proof only of 12 months' separation. – The Family Law Act, 1975 requires proof only of 12 months' separation. 'Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage' A Ground To Dissolve Marriage Invoking Article 142 Powers : Supreme CourtLaw Commission of India, 71st Report (1978). Divorce Act, 1979 (South Africa).