19 June 2025 Divorce Law >> Family Law  

The Supreme Court has granted a divorce to a couple, Pankaj Malik and Smt. Priyanka Malik, by invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India. This decision follows a settlement agreement reached by the parties through mediation at the Supreme Court Mediation Center on June 9, 2025.

The petitioner-wife had initially sought to transfer their divorce petition from the Family Court at Malkajgiri, Telangana, to the Family Court at Barasat, West Bengal. However, during the proceedings, the couple opted for mediation and successfully reached an amicable resolution.

Married on December 1, 2000, the couple has two daughters who are currently under the wife's care. As part of the settlement, the husband will pay a total of Rs. 1.25 crore as a full and final settlement for the daughters' present and future maintenance. Of this, Rs. 40 lakhs (Rs. 20 lakhs to each daughter) has already been paid, and the remaining Rs. 85 lakhs was presented to the wife in court via a demand draft.

In light of this comprehensive settlement, the Supreme Court has also ordered the quashing of numerous ongoing cases and complaints between the parties across various courts and police stations in West Bengal and Telangana. These include criminal complaints, maintenance cases, and custody disputes.

The Court has directed the relevant courts and police stations to mark these cases as closed upon receiving this order. The settlement agreement will be treated as part of the Court's order and will be binding on both parties. The Court also commended the parties for their fair approach and appreciated the efforts of the learned mediator.