In a notable ruling, the Supreme Court of India, invoking its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, has granted a mutual divorce, concluding nearly nine years of legal battles across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. The estranged couple, locked in a prolonged legal tug-of-war, found common ground through the Supreme Court Mediation Centre.
A Division Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan recorded the terms of settlement which were duly signed by the parties, their respective counsels, and the court-appointed mediator.
What Stands Out
What stands out in this case isn’t just the years of conflict or its spread across multiple states, but the way both sides managed to reach a complete and final settlement. As part of the agreement, the husband will pay the wife ₹16.92 lakh, covering everything—alimony, past and future maintenance, streedhan, and any other financial claims.
The wife will also receive original LIC policies, household items, jewellery, and a car from her husband. She also got the custody of their minor child, with the father granted specific visitation rights. The couple had been involved in multiple cases against each other. Both parties also agreed to drop all pending legal cases, from matrimonial disputes and maintenance claims to domestic violence complaints and FIRs, clearing the slate entirely.
Advocate Divya Tripathi, representing the respondent through Tripaksha Litigation, played a pivotal role in the mediation process, offering consistent legal support and guidance that helped steer the case toward a dignified and amicable conclusion.
The Supreme Court, in its order, acknowledged the efforts of both parties, their lawyers, and the Mediation Centre. The Bench noted that resolutions achieved through mediation not only reduce the burden on the judicial system but also enable individuals to move forward with their lives in a more peaceful and constructive manner.
The Court directed the Registry to draw up the decree of divorce following the settlement, thereby officially concluding all pending legal matters between the parties.
