In Brief
A wife petitioned the Supreme Court to transfer matrimonial proceedings filed by her husband in Jabalpur to Hyderabad, where she and their minor daughter resided, citing hardship and security concerns. The Supreme Court allowed the transfer but went further, issuing comprehensive directions for all matrimonial and custody cases where respondents reside outside court jurisdiction. Rather than mechanically transferring cases, courts should incorporate safeguards—video conferencing, legal aid, travel cost deposits, and e-mail/phone contact—to ensure access to justice. The Court emphasized that these alternatives reduce strain on the Supreme Court, expedite matrimonial matters, and uphold constitutional guarantees of equal access to justice and protection of women and children.
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