August 6, 2025

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court invoked its special powers under Article 142 to dissolve a marriage that had clearly broken down beyond repair. This ruling involved a couple that had been married for eight years in a second marriage, which was initiated in hopes of finding happiness, but unfortunately fell apart. The court's decision was primarily influenced by the arguments presented by senior advocates Madhavi Divan and Prabhjit Jauhar, who effectively demonstrated the couple's incompatibility. The bench consisted of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria. They concluded that the marriage was irreconcilable, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in any relationship. As part of the ruling, the court instructed the husband to transfer ownership of a flat valued at Rs 4 crore in Mumbai to his wife as part of the divorce settlement. This decision highlighted the court's approach to ensuring a fair outcome, especially considering the woman's professional background as an engineer with a master's degree in management. The ruling did not come without its share of contention. The wife had initially demanded not only the Rs 4 crore flat but also an additional sum of Rs 12 crore and a luxurious BMW car. However, the court dismissed these demands, pointing out that they were unreasonable and unfounded. The judges noted, "We refuse to place any reliance on the 'LinkedIn' profile," which the woman had used to substantiate her claim for more financial compensation. Furthermore, the bench reassured that the woman, being gainfully employed with substantial qualifications and experience in information technology, had the potential to support herself. This context was key to the court's decision that the gift of the fully paid apartment would be sufficient as compensation for the dissolution of their marriage. In addition to the property transfer, the husband was instructed to settle Rs 26 lakh in dues owed to the Kalpataru Society located on Dr SS Road, Mumbai, by September 1. The court made it clear that all legal proceedings between the couple would now be concluded, urging that no further matters related to their marriage could be taken up for proceedings. This ruling reflects the judicial system's increasing consideration for self-sufficiency and equality, valuing professional qualifications over mere financial demands based on marital status. The decision stands as an important precedent in divorce settlements, aiming to establish the importance of an individual's capability to maintain themselves post-separation. It is a reminder that the judicial system seeks balance in its decisions about personal relationships, ensuring that both parties are treated justly while also considering the broader context of personal responsibility. Ultimately, the insights provided in this case contribute significantly to ongoing discussions about divorce settlements and alimony in situations involving second marriages while reinforcing the courts' focus on equitable solutions.

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Tags: Supreme court, Divorce, Alimony, Property settlement, Legal news,