Supreme Court Dissolves Marriage Using Article 142 After 9 Years Across 3 States

In a significant judgement, the Supreme Court of India has dissolved the marriage of Ekta Bhatnagar and Ashutosh Bhatnagar by invoking its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. This decision comes after nearly nine years of ongoing legal disputes spread across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Case Background

The couple got married on 10 February 2012 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, as per Hindu customs. However, by December 2015, serious marital issues arose, leading to separation. The couple has a daughter, born in January 2014, who has been in the mother’s custody throughout the proceedings.

Over the years, multiple legal proceedings were initiated by both sides. The husband filed for divorce in Bikaner, while the wife filed criminal complaints and maintenance claims in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The wife also approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the divorce proceedings to Bareilly [Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 405/2025].

Realising the emotional and legal toll of prolonged litigation, the Supreme Court referred the couple to its Mediation Centre on 15 April 2025, offering a path for a more amicable resolution.

Settlement Through Mediation

After four sessions of mediation—both online and in-person—the parties reached a comprehensive settlement on 18 June 2025. The settlement was signed by both parties, their legal representatives, and the court-appointed mediator.

Key Terms of Settlement:

• A one-time payment of ₹16,92,000 by the husband to the wife covering alimony, maintenance, streedhan, and other dues.
  
• Handover of LIC policy documents in the names of the wife and their minor daughter.
  
• Additional ₹92,000 for future LIC premium payments.
  
• Full custody of the daughter to the wife, with visitation rights for the father once a month and weekly phone/video calls.
  
• Return of all household items, jewellery (as listed), and the Alto car (UP25AP9491) to the wife. Transport and fuel expenses were borne by the husband.
  
• Return of all bank passbooks in the wife’s name.
  
• Withdrawal of all pending legal cases, including:
  
  • Divorce proceedings from Bikaner
    
  • Maintenance claims under Section 125 CrPC
    
  • Domestic Violence case
    
  • FIRs under Sections 498A, 323, 504, 506 IPC and Dowry Prohibition Act
    
  • Criminal revision and related cases
    

Final Verdict by the Supreme Court

The Division Bench, comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, appreciated the efforts of both parties and officially dissolved the marriage by exercising powers under Article 142.

The Court directed that the decree be drawn based on the settlement and ordered that all related civil and criminal cases be considered closed. The original settlement was directed to be preserved as part of the court record.

The bench emphasised the importance of mediation in resolving family disputes and noted that such consensual solutions not only help reduce the burden on courts but also allow parties to move forward with dignity.

Case Title: Ekta Bhatnagar vs Ashutosh Bhatnagar

Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 405/2025