Supreme Court Grants Divorce Using Article 142 Powers

In a significant ruling highlighting misuse of legal processes in matrimonial disputes, the Supreme Court dissolved a marriage by invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. The case involved a couple where the wife initially agreed to a mutual consent divorce and signed a financial settlement but later withdrew her consent after receiving a substantial portion of the agreed amount.

Background of the Dispute

The couple had entered into a mediated settlement for divorce, under which the husband paid Rs 75 lakh as the first instalment, Rs 14 lakh for a car, and returned jewellery listed in the agreement. However, after receiving these benefits, the wife reneged on the agreement and filed a domestic violence case against the husband and his family members.

Allegations and Court’s Observations

The wife alleged that the husband had not returned jewellery worth Rs 120 crore and gold biscuits worth Rs 50 crore. She claimed these items were deliberately excluded from the settlement to avoid scrutiny by tax authorities. The Court rejected these claims, noting the absence of any such mention in the agreement or even in private communications between the parties.

The bench termed her submissions “highly egregious” and criticised the apparent disregard for legal processes.

Use of Article 142 and Legal Reasoning

The Court emphasised that once parties enter into a duly authenticated settlement, it is binding and cannot be casually withdrawn. It held that allowing such withdrawal would undermine the credibility of mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism. The judges further noted that the domestic violence complaint lacked specific allegations and appeared to be filed as a retaliatory measure.

Important Facts for Exams

• Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to pass orders for complete justice.
• Mediation settlements, once validated by courts, are legally binding.
• Domestic violence complaints require specific allegations for prosecution.
• Abuse of legal provisions can invite strict judicial action.

Final Verdict and Directions

Invoking Article 142, the Court dissolved the marriage and quashed all civil and criminal proceedings between the parties. It directed the husband to pay the remaining Rs 70 lakh as the final settlement. The judgment reinforces judicial intolerance towards misuse of legal remedies and underscores the sanctity of mediated agreements.