In Brief
A husband and wife who had been separated for over 20 years and locked in litigation for more than a decade sought a divorce by mutual consent. After initial mediation failed, the Supreme Court, with the assistance of senior counsel, facilitated fresh settlement negotiations involving both parties and their affected family members. The parties reached a comprehensive written settlement ending all disputes and agreed to dissolve their marriage amicably. The Court held that the mandatory waiting period under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act could be waived given the prolonged separation, extended litigation, and comprehensive settlement. The marriage was dissolved by decree of divorce by mutual consent, and all related criminal and civil proceedings were quashed or dismissed.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.