During a high-profile divorce and child custody hearing, the Supreme Court took on the role of a marriage counselor. In a dispute between a fashion entrepreneur wife and a renowned packaged food company owner husband, the court advised the couple to resolve their issues over coffee and dinner.
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The fashion entrepreneur wife wishes to take her three-year-old daughter to Europe for a holiday in June. However, the husband fears he will never see his child again if they go to Europe. He has also sought custody of the child's passport.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented the wife while Dushyant Dave represented the husband in the Supreme Court. The couple was present in the courtroom during the discussions.
Representing the wife, Singhvi stated, 'We both come from high-profile backgrounds. If they are open to mediation, so am I. But why is my child's planned holiday being obstructed?'
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Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma's bench listened to the arguments and pointed out that serious issues between the couple are still pending. They expressed practicality, suggesting that going abroad is a luxury. The bench questioned why the husband couldn’t travel with his wife and child for a week.
The bench advised the couple to discuss their issues over coffee and dinner. They suggested that no family members or lawyers accompany them during this meeting.
The bench remarked, 'You are both young, and your child is still little. Forget the past and focus on building a better future. Divorce hasn't taken place yet.'
The wife suggested in the court that if her husband wanted, he could join them on the Europe trip. In response, the husband mentioned he needs to consider work before traveling to Europe. The wife also mentioned that the relationship has been damaging, which the husband refuted.
The bench noted that such cases are indeed complex, yet solutions are always possible. They suggested future mediation under the supervision of retired Supreme Court judge AK Oka. The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
