Special Leave Petition (C) Nos. 4026-4028/2023 | Date: 18-07-2025
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.V.N. Bhatti

Citation:

• Sunanthini vs G.P. Rajkumar, SLP(C) Nos. 4026-4028/2023.

• Impugned Order: Madras HC Common Order in CMA Nos. 53/2018, 54/2018 & CMP No. 20244/2022 (01.12.2022).

Key Laws & Provisions Involved

1. Article 142 of the Constitution of India: Empowers the Supreme Court to pass decrees for "complete justice," including granting divorce by mutual consent.

2. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Governs divorce proceedings (subject of the impugned decree).

Summary of the Order

1. Background of the Case

• Petitioner: Sunanthini (wife).

• Respondent: G.P. Rajkumar (husband).

• Impugned Order: Madras High Court’s decree of divorce (01.12.2022) based on allegations against the petitioner.

• Petition to Supreme Court: Challenge to the divorce decree on grounds it would cause a "permanent scar" on the petitioner.

2. Parties’ Agreement During Hearing

• Both parties conceded the contested divorce decree (based on allegations) was unjustified.

• Respondent’s Stance: Agreed in principle to:
  (i) Setting aside the existing decree.
  (ii) Seeking fresh divorce by mutual consent under Article 142.

3. Court’s Directive

• Mediation Ordered: To settle modalities (e.g., alimony, custody):
  Mediator: Hon’ble Mr. Justice T. Sudanthiram (Retd., Madras HC).
  First Meeting: 01.08.2025 at Chennai (physical appearance).
  Deadline: Mediation report within 1 month.

• Fee & Process: Mediator to decide terms; parties must comply.

4. Next Steps

• Existing Decree: To be set aside upon successful mediation.

• Divorce by Mutual Consent: Supreme Court will invoke Article 142 to grant divorce if settlement is reached.

• Listed On: 09.09.2025 for further proceedings.

Key Takeaways

1. Core Issue: Quashing a contested divorce decree causing stigma.

2. Legal Mechanism:
   Article 142 used to bypass procedural hurdles for mutual consent divorce.
   Mediation prioritized for amicable settlement.

3. Outcome Pending: Mediation report will determine final orders.