In Brief
The appellant sought a declaration in Family Court that he was not legally married to the respondent. The High Court dismissed his suit, holding that Family Courts lacked jurisdiction over negative declarations regarding matrimonial status. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, holding that Family Courts have exclusive jurisdiction under the Family Courts Act, 1984 to determine any dispute concerning matrimonial status, whether the relief sought is affirmative or negative. The Court remitted the matter to the High Court for decision on merits.
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