A couple from Haryana’s Karnal district has officially dissolved their 44-year marriage, concluding an 18-year legal battle. The husband, nearing 70, agreed to pay ₹3.07 crore in permanent alimony to his 73-year-old estranged wife, selling agricultural land to fulfil the settlement. This resolution was reached through mediation at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with all parties involved agreeing to the terms.
Final Settlement After Long Struggle
The couple’s marriage, solemnised on August 27, 1980, came to an end following years of increasing discord that led them to live separately since May 2006. The husband filed for divorce on grounds of mental cruelty, but his initial petition was rejected by the Karnal family court in January 2013. After a lengthy appeal process that lasted nearly a decade, the case was referred to the mediation and conciliation centre of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. During mediation, both parties, along with their three adult children, agreed to dissolve the marriage with the husband committing to a substantial alimony payment.
Details of the Alimony Agreement
To honour this agreement, the husband sold prime agricultural land and paid ₹2.16 crore via a demand draft. Additionally, he provided ₹50 lakh in cash sourced from his agricultural earnings and transferred gold and silver ornaments valued at ₹40 lakh to his estranged wife. The settlement agreement stipulates that this payment will serve as permanent alimony and that neither the wife nor their children will have any claims on the husband’s estate after his passing. The formal dissolution of marriage was acknowledged by a division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Reflections on Relationships and Legal Battles
This case highlights the emotional and financial toll that prolonged legal disputes can impose on families. As relationships evolve over decades, misunderstandings and conflicts can escalate into lengthy court battles that overshadow personal lives. The resolution reached in this case serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human connections and the importance of finding amicable solutions even in challenging circumstances.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This story encourages us to reflect on how we navigate our relationships and resolve conflicts within our communities. It showcases the potential for dialogue and compromise even after years of strife. How can we cultivate understanding and empathy in our own lives to prevent such prolonged disputes? Share your thoughts and experiences on fostering harmony within relationships—your insights could inspire positive change in others facing similar challenges.
