Justice Kunhikrishnan’s order brings attention to how courts can blend justice with compassion, especially in matters involving human emotions, relationships, and old age.
Kerala: The Kerala High Court has granted bail to a 91-year-old man named Thevan, who was accused of stabbing his 88-year-old wife, Kunjali, after she allegedly accused him of having illicit relationships with other women.
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Justice Kunhikrishnan’s order brings attention to how courts can blend justice with compassion, especially in matters involving human emotions, relationships, and old age.
The case, which involved both legal and emotional dimensions, was handled by Justice P V Kunhikrishnan, who approached the matter with not just legal reasoning but also heartfelt reflection.
Thevan and his wife Kunjali had been living together when tensions reportedly arose between them due to suspicions voiced by Kunjali about her husband’s faithfulness. According to the prosecution, she accused Thevan of having affairs with other women.
These allegations deeply affected Thevan, leaving him “insulted and frustrated.”
The situation took a tragic turn on March 21, when Thevan allegedly attacked his wife with a knife, causing serious injuries. He was arrested on the same day and had been in judicial custody since then.
While hearing the bail application, Justice Kunhikrishnan issued an order dated April 10, in which he took a compassionate and philosophical approach, noting the age of the couple and the possibility of reconciliation.
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“I do not want to make any further discussion on this. Let Thevan aged 91 live happily with Kunjali, his wife aged 88 in their old age. Let there be a happy life for them,” the court stated.
Granting bail to Thevan under standard legal conditions, the judge expressed a gentle reminder to both husband and wife about the importance of their relationship in the later stages of life.
“Thevan should know that in his old age, his only strength will be his wife, Kunjali, aged 88 and Kunjali also should think that her only strength will be Thevan, aged 91.”
The judgment also touched on the emotional and psychological aspect of elderly relationships. The court acknowledged the pain caused but chose to focus on the enduring bond between the couple.
“Thevan and Kunjali should know that age does not dim the light of love, it only makes it shine brighter. Kunjali, who is 88 years old, even now loves her husband and that is why she is closely watching her husband, who is aged 91. As we grow older, our love for each other only deepens.”
In a remarkable departure from formal legal language, Justice Kunhikrishnan chose to quote Malayalam poet N N Kakkad’s final poem, Saphalamee Yathra, which talks about ageing, love, and lifelong companionship. The inclusion of poetic verses added a deep emotional layer to the legal verdict.
The judge concluded the order with a thoughtful message about relationships and marriage:
“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together, it is when imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”
This case stands out not only for its unusual facts involving a nonagenarian accused of assaulting his elderly wife but also for the sensitive manner in which the Kerala High Court handled it.
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