Matrimony Based On Mutual Love And Affection; Not On Terms And Conditions: Supreme Court

A Bench of Justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar made this comment while hearing a plea pertaining to a marital dispute between a husband-wife duo. During the hearing today, the advocates for both the parties informed that that they were interested to give the marriage one more try.

However, the counsel for the wife requested that the matter be referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre.

The Bench didn’t quite understand the need for mediation at this point.

“What is the need for mediation? Husband and wife are ready to go with each other. Then what’s the need? Last time, we recorded your submission and granted you time. Don’t waste our time, be sure (of your decision)”, said Justice Shah.

A mediation session is required to discuss terms and conditions, the counsel responded.

“You want a written terms and conditions to ensure that each day whether it is complied with or not? Every day, you will look into it? Whether husband has complied with condition number 2 or 3?”, asked a baffled Justice Ravikumar.

The Court was then told that the husband is working in Saudi Arabia.

“Your client will have to go to Saudi Arabia. Sita-ji went with Ram, no? Follow Sita-Ram", the Bench commented.

She is willing to go there, the advocate informed the Bench

Eventually, the Bench referred the matter to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre owing to the parties’ joint request on February 6 and allowed the Respondent husband to join virtually for the session.

The matter will be next heard on March 30.