The Supreme Court criticized the handling of a woman’s long legal battle over multiple divorce decrees in Karnataka, emphasizing the challenges women face in matrimonial disputes. The court upheld the divorce decree but enhanced the alimony and issued orders to protect the woman and her son’s property rights.
The Delhi High Court ruled that maintenance under the Hindu Marriage Act extends beyond age 18 for children pursuing education until they become financially independent. The court emphasized the importance of adequate maintenance and decided on various issues including concealment of income and enhancement of maintenance with interest on arrears.
Yesterday, On 30th July, The Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court’s decision granting chef Kunal Kapur a divorce, following his wife’s appeal. The High Court had cited cruelty, but Kapur’s wife contested the ruling. The case has been referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre for a potential out-of-court resolution. Kapur’s wife argued that the judgment violated Supreme Court guidelines and highlighted attempts at reconciliation.
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that under the Hindu Marriage Act, a divorce can be granted if there is no compliance with an order to restore conjugal rights for at least a year. The case involved a marriage irretrievably broken for over 16 years, leading to the grant of divorce and a one-time alimony payment of Rs. 30 lakhs.
The Supreme Court dismissed a woman’s transfer petition in a matrimonial dispute, highlighting concerns about potential abuse of legal provisions due to her frequent relocations. The Court emphasized the need for fairness and continuity in judicial proceedings, and referred the matter to mediation. This case underscores the Court’s commitment to justice in matrimonial disputes.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that a man denying paternity must undergo a DNA test or pay child maintenance. Emphasizing the children’s rights, the court highlighted the importance of securing their financial support and legal status. The ruling addressed the significance of DNA testing in resolving paternity disputes and emphasized the children’s best interests.
The Karnataka High Court ruled that there are no legal restrictions on filing multiple divorce petitions based on cruelty. This ruling allows individuals to seek divorce repeatedly if they continue to face cruelty, providing legal clarity and protection for victims of ongoing abuse. The decision represents a significant advancement in matrimonial law.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the state of marriages, lamenting that couples are marrying only to end up filing cases shortly after. Justices remarked that the institution of marriage is under strain due to increasing marital disputes, highlighting societal shifts. The comments were made in response to a case where a couple faced difficulties consummating their marriage.
Today(on 19th April),The Bombay High Court dismissed a custody petition based on the wife’s alleged adultery, emphasizing the mother’s rights. Adultery should not dictate custody and a spouse’s conduct should not determine parental competence. The judgment reinforces the focus on a child’s well-being and academic success in custody disputes, prioritizing their best interests.
The Supreme Court of India, using Article 142, stopped criminal proceedings under IPC Section 498A, addressing mental cruelty by a wife against her ex-husband and relatives, filed six months post-divorce. The court highlighted the exhaustive consideration of the couple’s marital issues during divorce proceedings, deciding that perpetuating the legal battle through criminal proceedings would serve no constructive purpose.
