COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON SC ENCOURAGING MEDIDATION IN MATRIMONDIAL DISPUTE CASE
Supreme Court Ends 65-Day Marriage After 13-Year Legal Battle
Couple fined for treating courts as battlefield
Judges stress need for mediation in family disputes
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 21, 2026:
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India dissolved a marriage that lasted only 65 days of cohabitation but dragged into 13 years of bitter litigation with more than 40 cases filed between the spouses. The apex court, while granting divorce, imposed a fine of ₹10,000 each on the couple for misusing judicial forums and treating courts as a battleground. The ruling highlights the judiciary’s growing concern over prolonged matrimonial disputes clogging the legal system and the urgent need for mediation and early resolution.
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The Case in Brief
- The couple married over a decade ago but lived together for just 65 days.
- After separation, they filed 40 cases against each other in different courts, ranging from criminal complaints to civil suits.
- The bitterness escalated, leaving no scope for reconciliation.
- The matter reached the Supreme Court, where Justices Rajesh Bindal and Manmohan invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to dissolve the marriage on grounds of irretrievable breakdown.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The bench made strong remarks about the misuse of courts:
- “Warring couples cannot be allowed to settle their scores by treating courts as their battlefield and choke the system,” the judges observed.
- The court emphasized that allegations and counter-allegations only worsen disputes and that mediation should be the first resort.
- It noted that the couple had shown no intention to reconcile and that continuing litigation would serve no purpose.
- The divorce was granted under extraordinary powers of Article 142, which allows the Supreme Court to deliver complete justice even beyond statutory provisions.
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Penalty for Misuse of Judicial Process
To discourage similar misuse of courts, the Supreme Court imposed a token cost of ₹10,000 each on the husband and wife. The amount is to be deposited with the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association.
This symbolic fine sends a message that while the judiciary will ensure justice, it will not tolerate litigants who clog the system with endless disputes.
Broader Implications
This case is not just about one couple—it reflects a larger problem in India’s matrimonial litigation:
- Prolonged disputes: Family cases often drag on for years, causing emotional and financial strain.
- Judicial burden: Courts are flooded with cases that could be resolved through mediation.
- Irretrievable breakdown: The judgment strengthens the argument for recognizing irretrievable breakdown of marriage as a valid ground for divorce in Indian law.
Legal experts believe this ruling may encourage lawmakers to revisit divorce laws and make them more pragmatic.
Importance of Mediation
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The Supreme Court highlighted that mediation and counselling should be prioritized in matrimonial disputes. Early intervention could prevent years of bitterness and save judicial time.
Family law practitioners agree that mediation often helps couples reach settlements on issues like custody, property, and maintenance without dragging matters into prolonged litigation.
Public Reaction
The judgment has sparked discussions across legal circles and society:
- Many welcomed the decision as practical and humane, ending a decade-long battle that had no future.
- Some criticized the couple for wasting judicial resources and using courts to settle personal scores.
- The ruling is seen as a warning to litigants who misuse the legal system for revenge.
Conclusion
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The Supreme Court’s decision to dissolve a marriage that lasted only 65 days but led to 13 years of litigation is a powerful reminder of the need for judicial efficiency and responsible litigation. By invoking Article 142, the court ensured justice while sending a clear message against misuse of courts.
This case will likely be remembered as a precedent in family law, reinforcing the importance of mediation and discouraging endless legal battles.
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