The Supreme Court upheld a divorce ruling for a couple after nearly two decades of separation, emphasizing that mutual trust and companionship are essential to marriage. Citing evidence of cruelty and emotional distress, the court ruled against the wife’s appeal. It awarded Rs 50 lakh alimony to the wife and similar support for their daughter’s future needs.
New Delhi: “Marriage is a relationship built on mutual trust, companionship, and shared experiences,” the Supreme Court observed as it upheld the Madras High Court’s decision to grant divorce to an estranged software engineer couple. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale emphasized that prolonged separation and animosity made the marriage irreparable.
The bench stated,
“When these essential elements are missing for an extended period, the marital bond becomes a mere legal formality devoid of any substance.”
It noted the couple had lived separately for nearly two decades, reinforcing the presumption of an irretrievably broken marriage.
“The length of separation and evident animosity between the parties make it clear that there is no possibility of the marriage being revived,”
the court ruled.
The court dismissed the wife’s appeal challenging the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court’s 2018 decision granting divorce on the grounds of cruelty.
“The husband has provided sufficient evidence to show that the appellant engaged in behavior causing immense mental and emotional distress,”
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the bench noted, citing false criminal complaints filed by the wife against the husband and his family.
Justice Nath remarked,
“Forcing a marriage to continue when it has become a source of unhappiness and conflict undermines the very purpose of the institution of marriage.”
The judgment prioritized the welfare and dignity of both parties.
The court awarded the wife a permanent alimony of Rs 50 lakh to secure her financial independence. Additionally, the couple’s daughter, born in 2003, was granted Rs 50 lakh for educational and future expenses, including her marriage. The bench ruled these payments must be made within four months.
“Although the wife did not claim monetary relief during proceedings, the court found it equitable to grant such relief considering the financial burdens borne during prolonged litigation,”
it stated. Both parents were reminded of their responsibility toward their daughter’s well-being.
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