Yes, under Muslim personal law applicable in India, a Nikah can indeed be dissolved without the husband's consent through several recognised legal mechanisms, the most significant being Khula and judicial divorce under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939, which provide Muslim women independent avenues to dissolve their marriage even when the husband refuses to cooperate or grant Talaq.

Khula allows a wife to seek dissolution by returning her mehr or offering some other consideration to the husband, and while traditionally viewed as requiring mutual arrangement, courts have increasingly recognised a wife's right to seek Khula where the marriage has irretrievably broken down, even where the husband does not explicitly consent. Beyond Khula, the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939 provides specific statutory grounds — including cruelty, desertion for four years, failure to maintain for two years, or the husband's impotence — under which a wife can file for judicial dissolution directly before the family court without requiring the husband's agreement at all.

The process involves filing a suit for dissolution before the appropriate family court, pleading the specific ground under the 1939 Act, and producing supporting evidence such as proof of desertion, non-maintenance records, or medical documentation where relevant. The court examines the evidence, and if satisfied, passes a decree of dissolution that is legally binding irrespective of the husband's stance, providing a genuine legal remedy for women whose husbands are uncooperative or absent.

Given the procedural nuances of Muslim personal law, especially around mehr, iddat, and post-dissolution maintenance obligations, it is advisable to consult experienced practitioners before filing. The team at Aapka Legal Advice regularly assists women navigating Khula and judicial dissolution petitions, ensuring the pleadings are correctly framed under the applicable ground.

Because these matters often involve sensitive family and religious considerations, obtaining a second opinion from a retired judge before filing can help validate the strength of your grounds. Experienced divorce lawyers and retired judges specialising in Muslim personal law are available through Aapka Legal Advice's divorce lawyer network.

In conclusion, dissolution of Nikah without the husband's consent is legally achievable through Khula or the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, and with proper legal support, women are not left dependent on their husband's willingness to grant Talaq.