PTI

Chennai, Jul 22: They may be getting hefty pay, but less marital bliss is driving an increasing number of couples in the IT and ITES sectors to seek divorce.

About 40 per cent of divorce cases filed before three family courts in this metropolis, an IT hub, are by professionals in IT and BPO fields, says T K R Sudha, a leading advocate practising in the Madras High Court.

The total number of divorce cases filed in the city last year was about 3,000. However, the 3,000-mark has been crossed this year by the end of June itself, she adds.

"The family courts, which used to wear a deserted look until a few years ago, are now a beehive of activity. Due to heavy rush, even lawyers find it difficult to move around and carry out their work," Sudha says.

The Chennai city and its suburbs are home to over two lakh IT professionals and BPO employees.     

Dr S Nambi, former President of Indian Psychiatrists' Association, feels that software professionals are paying a heavy price for the hefty pay packets and lavish lifestyle that their jobs offer.    

As IT field is a brain-taxing competitive job, the professionals get into emotional problems, which reflect on their marital life. Due to mental fatigue, many develop difficulties in sexual activities which also result in broken marriages, he says.

"Around the age of 28, they become hyper-sensitive. By 35 they are mentally tired and worn out," remarks Nambi, whose clinic is thronged by several such couples for counselling.