'Mahabharata-like' divorce war: How Supreme Court settled bitter 10-year-long matrimonial dispute involving 80+ cases & Rs 5 crore alimony

The Supreme Court of India has brought an end to a decade-long matrimonial dispute, describing it as a “battle of Mahabharata” before annulling the marriage and closing all related legal proceedings. Observing that the relationship had completely broken down, the bench stated that the marriage was “dead for all practical purposes”. The case, which had dragged on for over ten years, was marked by intense hostility and prolonged litigation between the estranged spouses. A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta ruled that continuing the legal battle would serve no meaningful purpose.

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Article 142 Supreme Court Powers Invoked for ‘Complete Justice’

Invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court dissolved the marriage to ensure “complete justice”. The provision allows the apex court to pass any order necessary to bring finality to a dispute.


The court emphasised that this was a “fit case” to exercise such powers, not only to annul the marriage but also to put an end to all ongoing litigation between the parties.

Husband Criticised for ‘Vindictive’ Legal Campaign

The judgment strongly criticised the husband, a practising advocate, for misusing legal processes. The court noted that he had initiated more than 80 legal proceedings against his wife, her family members, and even her legal representatives.

The bench described his actions as “vindictive and vexatious”, pointing out a pattern of deliberately complicating and prolonging the dispute. According to the court, this conduct reflected a “hostile and cantankerous approach”.

All Cases Quashed in Landmark Supreme Court Ruling

In a decisive move, the Supreme Court quashed all pending civil, criminal, and miscellaneous cases filed by both parties against each other and their relatives. This includes FIRs, complaints, and multiple legal proceedings spread across various courts.

The ruling aims to provide a “complete quietus” to what the bench termed an excessively prolonged and bitter legal battle.

Rs 5 Crore Settlement Ordered for Wife and Children

To ensure financial security, the court directed the husband to pay a consolidated sum of Rs 5 crore. This amount covers permanent alimony, past and future maintenance, child support, and litigation expenses.

The husband has been granted one year to pay the amount, either as a lump sum or in four equal quarterly instalments.

Child Custody and Visitation Rights Decided

The court awarded absolute custody of the couple’s two sons to the wife, recognising her primary role in their upbringing. However, the husband has been granted visitation rights, subject to specific conditions laid down by the court.

‘Mahabharata-Like’ Legal Battle Finally Ends

Highlighting the intensity of the dispute, the court likened the prolonged litigation to a “matrimonial battle of Mahabharata”. It observed that the case had crossed all reasonable limits, necessitating decisive judicial intervention.

With this ruling, the Supreme Court has not only dissolved the marriage but also ensured an end to years of legal conflict, setting a significant precedent in matrimonial law and the use of Article 142.

Inputs from PTI