The Article 142 is invoked by Supreme Court to end marriage.

Overview

The Supreme Court in a landmark decision on matrimonial disputes had broken up a marriage on the basis of its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. The ruling dealt with the abuse of legal procedures following the withdrawal of consent by one party of a mutually agreed divorce despite hefty economic gain.

Background of the Dispute

The couple had signed a mediated settlement of mutual consent divorce. Under the deal, the husband had to pay 75 lakh in the initial instalment, 14 lakh on a car and also returned listed jewellery. The wife however withdrew her consent after enjoying such benefits and filed a lawsuit, a domestic violence complaint against the husband and his family.

Court’s Observations

The Court reviewed claims of withholding jewellery worth ₹120 crore and gold biscuits worth ₹50 crore. It did not find evidence of these claims, as they were not included in the settlement agreement or in personal communications. The bench described the accusations as very egregious and condemned the abuse of the law.

Legal Reasoning and Article 142.

The Court underscored the fact that mediated settlements are legally binding when properly signed and they cannot be revoked at will. The legalization of such acts would undermine the faith in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. It also noted that the domestic violence complaint was not specific and seemed vindictive. The Court used the powers under Article 142 to provide total justice by having all disputes addressed in a holistic manner.

Conclusion and implications.

The Supreme Court not only annulled the marriage but also aborted all civil and criminal cases in question. It directed the husband to pay the remaining ₹70 lakh as final settlement. The ruling strengthens the enforceability of mediation agreements and sends a strong message of judicial intervention in cases of abuse of the law.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• Article 142 gives the Supreme Court a chance to administer full justice.
• Mediation settlements are enforceable after they are approved.
• Abuse of the law can be a subject of judicial censure.
• There are needs of particular and substantive charges over domestic violence cases.
• To avoid the abuse of process, court may quash the proceedings.

Practice (with Answers)

Q1. What is Article 142 authorising the Supreme Court to do?
Response: To give orders required to full justice.

Q2. What was the reason why the Court dissolved the marriage in this case?
Reason: Because of withdrawal out of a valid settlement and abuse of legal procedures.

Q3. What was the Court’s view on mediation settlements?
Response: They are obligatory and cannot be revoked easily.

Q4. What did the Court do to continue cases?
Answer: It suppressed all the civil and criminal cases.