Judicial Separation is a formal legal process under which a court permits spouses to live separately without terminating the marital relationship. Unlike divorce, the marriage legally continues, but the obligation of cohabitation is suspended.

Grounds for judicial separation are generally similar to those for divorce, including cruelty, desertion, adultery, or other legally recognised grounds under applicable personal laws. The court may also decide matters relating to maintenance, child custody, and property rights during the period of separation.

This remedy is often sought when parties require legal recognition of separation but are not ready for divorce due to personal, social, or religious considerations.

The objective is to provide lawful separation, protect individual rights, and regulate matrimonial obligations without dissolving the marriage.