'Rare Settlement' : Supreme Court On Wife Agreeing To Divorce Without Monetary Claims, Appreciates Return Of Gifts From Husband's Side

While dissolving an estranged marriage on mutual consent, the Supreme Court on Thursday appreciated the woman for returning the gold bangles gifted to her by the husband's mother at the time of the marriage. The Court also observed that this was a "rare settlement", as no monetary claim was raised by the wife.

A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan was hearing the matter. At the outset, the counsel for the lady submitted that she had not sought any alimony or other monetary compensation. When the Court was informed that only the bangles were left to be handed over, the bench assumed that the wife had asked for the streedhan to be returned. However, quickly, the wife's counsel responded that it is the woman who is returning the jewellery she had received at the time of marriage.

On this, Justice Pardiwala remarked that this is a very "rare settlement" that the Court has come across and proceeded to pass an order for a decree of divorce.

It recorded in its order: "This is one of the rare settlements we have come across where nothing has been demanded. On the contrary, the wife has handed over the gold bangles, which were gifted to her at the time of marriage. We are told that the bangles belong to the mother of the husband. We appreciate this kind gesture, which is very rare to be seen nowadays."

When the wife was able to join via the video conference, Justice Pardiwala told her: "We have observed that this is one of the rare cases where there is no exchange of anything. We appreciate. Forget the past and live a happy life."

Then the Court passed the final order: " In such circumstances referred above, we dissolve the marriage between the parties using powers under Article 142. Any other proceedings, if any between the parties, stands quashed."