In Brief
A husband and wife married in 1991 had separated by 2002—over 22 years prior to this judgment. Two children were born, now adults. The husband sought divorce citing irretrievable breakdown; the wife contested initially but eventually both parties agreed dissolution was necessary. The Supreme Court granted divorce under Article 142(1) of the Constitution, finding the marriage emotionally dead and cohabitation impossible. No need to examine rival allegations of cruelty. The Court awarded the wife permanent alimony of ₹50 lakh, payable in five monthly instalments, reflecting the husband's substantial prior earnings and present financial standing.
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