The Supreme Court has adjourned the divorce case of Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, against his wife Payal, due to ongoing mediation. Omar’s divorce plea, filed in 2016, faced denials from lower courts regarding allegations of cruelty. Mediation aims for an amicable resolution amidst legal disputes.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on the divorce case filed by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah against his estranged wife, Payal Abdullah, owing to ongoing mediation efforts. This comes after both parties were directed in August 2024 to approach the Supreme Court Mediation Centre following a joint request by their counsels.
The legal case first began in 2016 when Omar Abdullah filed for divorce, claiming an “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” and allegations of cruelty. However, both the family court and the Delhi High Court rejected his plea. The family court noted that Omar had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support claims of “cruelty” or “desertion” and ruled that there was no compelling reason to dissolve the marriage.
The High Court upheld this decision in December 2023, calling his allegations “vague and unacceptable.” Dissatisfied, Omar Abdullah approached the Supreme Court in July 2024. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Omar, reiterated that the marriage had been “dead” for over 15 years.
Omar Abdullah and Payal Abdullah were married in September 1994 but have lived separately since 2009. Omar initially filed for divorce on August 30, 2016, but has faced legal setbacks at every stage of the proceedings.
In another ruling, a single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court increased the maintenance amount payable by Omar Abdullah to Payal Abdullah. Justice Subramonium Prasad ordered a monthly maintenance of Rs 1.5 lakh for Payal and Rs 60,000 each for their two sons while they were enrolled in law school.
The court clarified that although a father is not legally obligated to fund the college education of adult children, Omar Abdullah would still be required to pay Rs 60,000 monthly towards their educational expenses. Earlier, a trial court had set interim maintenance at Rs 75,000 per month for Payal and Rs 25,000 for their son until he turned 18.
In August 2024, the Supreme Court decided to explore mediation as a potential solution to the prolonged dispute. This step came as both parties expressed willingness to attempt a resolution outside the court. The current adjournment reflects ongoing mediation efforts, with hopes of reaching an amicable settlement.
As mediation continues, the Supreme Court will await its outcome before proceeding further. The next hearing is expected after the mediation process concludes.
Case Title: Omar Abdullah vs. Payal Abdullah
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