The husband and his father had remained in jail for 109 and 103 days respectively in the cases registered by the woman.
In an unusual move, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed a woman and her parents to issue a public apology for subjecting her former husband and his family to harassment through multiple legal proceedings.
As a result of the complaints, the husband and his father were incarcerated for 109 and 103 days, respectively. The Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, observed that the family had endured significant physical and emotional distress.
Accordingly, the Court ordered the woman, who serves as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, along with her parents, to publish an apology in newspapers and on social media within three days.
“What they have suffered cannot be resituated or compensated in any manner. xxx and her parents shall tender an unconditional apology to the husband and his Family members which shall be published in the national edition of the renowned one English and one Hindi newspaper. Such apology shall also be published and circulated on all social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other similar platforms,” the Court ordered.
The Court, however, made it clear that the apology should not be construed as an admission of guilt and would not affect any legal rights, obligations, or consequences under the law.
The couple, who were married in 2015 and have a daughter, parted ways in 2018 following persistent matrimonial conflicts and disputes involving their families. After the separation, both sides filed multiple legal cases against one another and their respective family members.
The Court granted custody of the child to the mother, while allowing the father and his family supervised visitation rights.
The Court also took note of the wife’s decision to waive any claim to alimony or maintenance, as well as any rights over the properties owned or held by the husband and his family.
In resolving the matter, the Court quashed all civil and criminal proceedings initiated by both parties and laid down additional terms and conditions.
The couple’s marriage was formally dissolved by the Court as part of the settlement.
“In terms of the above observations, directions and conditions/settlement, we deem it appropriate to invoke our power under Article 142 of the Constitution of India and order for dissolution of marriage between…The decree of divorce shall be drawn up accordingly,” the Court ordered.