New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has exercised its extraordinary powers to dissolve a marriage and terminate multiple legal proceedings between a couple whose relationship deteriorated shortly after their wedding in 2020.
Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 to Settle Marital Dispute
Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, while hearing three transfer petitions, took note of the numerous cases filed by both parties and their families against each other.
The court was addressing transfer petitions filed by Anjali, seeking to transfer various cases from Maharashtra to Madhya Pradesh, including a marriage petition filed by her husband Chetan, a criminal case filed by her mother-in-law, and a civil suit filed by other family members.
Court Quashes 17 Legal Cases, Grants Divorce for Estranged Couple
The bench observed, “This is one of those unfortunate litigations wherein, within one year of marriage, the wife had to leave her matrimonial home as, according to her, she was being incessantly harassed by her husband and in-laws.”
The marriage, solemnized on May 8, 2020, had resulted in 17 different legal proceedings between the parties, including criminal prosecutions. Fortunately, no child was born of the wedlock.
The court advised both parties that continuing these litigations would be futile, stating, “If the marriage has failed, that is not the end of life for both. They must look ahead and start a new life.”
At the request of counsel for both parties, the court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to dissolve the marriage and terminate all pending proceedings between the parties, including any not listed in the comprehensive list of 17 cases provided to the court.
The bench directed, “The parties are requested to now live peacefully and move forward in life.” It was also understood that neither party shall raise any further claims in the future.
Regarding a request for a refund of court fees of ₹60,000 paid by the father-in-law in one of the suits, the court left it open for him to apply before the concerned civil court for a refund.
Mr. Niraj Sharma, Ms. Mahima Sharma, and Ms. Tanya Raizada appeared for the petitioner, while Ms. Samridhi S. Jain and Mr. Shiv Sagar Tiwari appeared for the respondents.
Case Title: Anjali vs. Chetan & Connected Matters
