News Related to Divorce in India (August 2024)

News Related to Divorce in India (August 2024)

Table of Contents

Past Relationship:

  • Unfortunate Separation: Chaitanya referred to his separation from Samantha as an unfortunate event.
  • Respect for the Journey: Despite difficulties, he expressed respect for their shared journey.
  • Media Scrutiny: He voiced dissatisfaction with the media’s handling of his personal life, particularly the intense scrutiny and speculations.
  • Ethical Concerns: He questioned the ethics behind involving third parties and spreading rumours.
  • Call for Maturity: He urged for a more composed and mature approach to dealing with rumours.
  • Moving On: He requested the public to move on from past events, allowing both him and Samantha to heal.

Present & Future:

  • End of Marriage: Chaitanya and Samantha officially ended their marriage in 2021.
  • New Beginning: He recently got engaged to actress Sobhita Dhulipala, putting an end to rumours.

The Divorce:

  • Social Media Split: Princess Sheikha Mahra announced her divorce from Sheikh Mana on Instagram, citing his alleged infidelity.
  • Public Support: Her post garnered over 40,000 likes and numerous comments in support of her decision.

The Couple’s History:

  • Lavish Wedding: They got married in a grand ceremony in June 2023.
  • Baby Joy: Welcomed their daughter, Sheikha Mahra bint Mana bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, in May 2024.
  • Signs of Trouble: Princess posted a picture with her daughter without her husband, sparking speculations.
  • Social Media Cleanup: Both have deleted photos of each other from their profiles.

Who’s Who:

  • Sheikha Mahra:
    • Daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
    • Supporter of women’s empowerment and fashion designers in UAE.
  • Sheikh Mana:
    • Emirati businessman born in 1998.
    • Interests include travel, football, fishing, and animals.
    • Often seen at high-profile events in the UAE.

Grey Divorce: Meaning & Implications

What is Grey Divorce?

  • Divorces happen later in life, typically after 50, following long-term marriages.
  • Individuals separating after many years together are called “Silver Splitters.”
  • This trend is increasing, with a notable rise in divorce rates among older adults.

Reasons Behind Grey Divorce:

  • Empty Nest Syndrome: Children leaving home can cause couples to re-evaluate their relationship and discover a lack of shared goals.
  • Retirement: Increased time together post-retirement can highlight differences and incompatible lifestyles.
  • Increased Life Expectancy: Longer lifespans may lead to couples growing apart over time and seeking new personal fulfilment.
  • Financial Independence: More women have financial security, empowering them to leave unhappy marriages.
  • Changing Social Attitudes: Divorce is more accepted, making it easier for older adults to consider it.

Possible Implications of Grey Divorce:

  • Financial Impact: Dividing assets and retirement funds can be complex and impact both parties’ financial security.
  • Healthcare: Divorce can complicate health insurance coverage and the sharing of healthcare responsibilities for older adults.
  • Emotional Impact: Divorce is emotionally challenging, especially for those married for decades. Adult children may also experience a loss of family stability.
  • Social Changes: Divorce can lead to changes in social circles and potential loneliness, requiring building new social connections.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Changes in living arrangements, like leaving a family home, can be stressful and require adaptation.
  • Legal Considerations: Divorce involves legal aspects like updating wills and protecting assets, which can be overwhelming for older adults.

Alimony in India: Key Points for Working Women

What is Alimony?

  • Financial Support: Alimony, or spousal support, is financial assistance provided by one partner to the other after separation or divorce.
  • Evolving Landscape: Traditionally seen as support for wives who sacrificed their careers, it’s adapting as more women are financially independent.

Factors Determining Alimony:

  • Various Laws Apply: Alimony is governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, Indian Divorce Act, etc.  
  • Multiple Factors Considered: Courts consider both spouses’ incomes, properties, standard of living, age, health, marriage duration, and children’s needs.
  • Working Women Can Still Receive Alimony: Even if a woman works, she might be entitled to alimony if there’s a large income difference between the spouses.  
  • Self-Sufficiency Matters: Courts aim for fairness, sometimes providing temporary support to help women become financially independent.  

Amount and Duration:

  • Flexible Payment: Alimony can be paid as a lump sum or in monthly instalments, depending on the case specifics.  
  • No Automatic Bar for Working Women: A woman’s education and employment don’t automatically disqualify her from receiving alimony.
  • Case-Specific Decisions: Alimony decisions depend on individual circumstances, past judgments, and sometimes negotiated settlements.  

Protecting Assets:

  • Prenuptial Agreements: While not legally enforceable in India, prenups can help outline financial arrangements in case of separation.
  • Documentation and Separation: Maintaining records of pre-marriage assets, using trusts, and having separate bank accounts can help protect individual wealth.
  • Seek Legal Advice: Consulting a family law expert is crucial for protecting assets and ensuring a fair resolution.

Alimony Rules for Working Women in India – Key Highlights

  • Alimony Eligibility: Even with independent income, working women are eligible for alimony in India.
  • Determining Factors: Alimony decisions consider both spouses’ incomes, property, standard of living, age, health, marriage duration, and children’s needs.
  • Significant Income Difference: A working woman might receive alimony if a substantial income gap exists compared to her spouse.
  • Self-Sufficiency: The alimony amount may be reduced or denied if the woman can adequately support herself.
  • Court’s Objective: Courts prioritize fairness, sometimes offering temporary support to help women achieve financial stability.
  • Case-Specific Decisions: Alimony rulings depend on individual cases, previous legal judgments, and sometimes negotiated settlements.
  • Payment Methods: Alimony can be a lump sum or monthly instalments, depending on the case.
  • Prenuptial Agreements: Though not legally binding, prenups can help outline financial arrangements in case of divorce.
  • Asset Protection: Maintaining records of pre-marriage assets, using trusts, and separate bank accounts can help safeguard personal wealth.
  • Legal Counsel: Consulting a family law expert is crucial to protect assets and ensure a fair divorce settlement.

Here are the main highlights from the article, organized with headings:

Abhishek Bachchan’s ‘Like’ on Divorce Post – The Real Story

  • Misinterpreted Gesture: Abhishek Bachchan’s recent ‘like’ on a post about divorce led to rumours about his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
  • Post Content: The post discussed the complexities of divorce, particularly the trend of ‘grey divorces’ in older couples, and included insights from Dr Zirak Marker.
  • Connection to Aishwarya: Dr Marker is a close friend of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, suggesting Abhishek’s ‘like’ was a gesture of support for his contribution.
  • Separate Arrival at Wedding: The Bachchan family’s separate arrival at a recent wedding further fueled separation rumours.
  • Reunion at the Venue: Photos and videos showed Aishwarya and Aaradhya later joining Abhishek at the wedding, dismissing separation theories.

In essence: Abhishek’s ‘like’ was likely a show of support for a friend’s contribution to the post, not a reflection of his marital status.

Nikhil Patel’s Allegations Against Dalljiet Kaur

Unresolved Divorce & Marriage

  • Nikhil Patel claims he wasn’t legally divorced from his first wife when he and Dalljiet Kaur had their ceremony.
  • He states that Dalljiet and her family were aware of his marital status and that the ceremony wasn’t legally binding.
  • He emphasizes that his divorce was finalized in January 2024, by which time Dalljiet had already left Kenya.

Dalljiet’s Move to Kenya

  • Nikhil alleges Dalljiet insisted on moving to Kenya despite knowing he was still married.
  • He claims to have supported her in establishing her career in Kenya.
  • He suggests Dalljiet struggled with the adjustment to a different lifestyle and level of recognition in Kenya.

Breakdown of the Relationship

  • Nikhil states that Dalljiet left Kenya in January 2024 and they continued communicating.
  • He claims he was subjected to verbal abuse during these communications.
  • He tried to reconcile, but Dalljiet seemed focused on her career in India.

Further Accusations

  • Nikhil alleges Dalljiet has never met his younger daughter despite claiming to be a ‘proud mom of 3’ on Instagram.  
  • He claims his older daughter wants no further contact with Dalljiet and accuses Dalljiet of media harassment.
  • He mentions Dalljiet’s recent visit to Kenya, claiming she harassed his daughter and fabricated a narrative about being left homeless.
  • He criticizes Dalljiet for filing an FIR against him, alleging she’s repeating the same tactic she used against her ex-husband.

Conclusion

  • Nikhil urges Dalljiet to leave his children alone and hopes that his statement will put an end to the media drama.
  • He wishes Dalljiet and her son well and expresses hope that she finds inner healing and peace.

Sources and related content

Nikhil Patel’s statement on marriage with Dalljiet: Wasn’t divorced from 1st wife – India Today

www.indiatoday.in

Nikhil Patel accuses Dalljiet Kaur of marrying him despite his unresolved divorce from his first marriage; says ‘She filed an FIR against me, repeating the same tactic she used against her ex-husband’ – Times of India

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Rajasthan Man Arrested for Bigamy and Dowry Harassment

Key Highlights

  • Arrest for Bigamy: A 35-year-old man, Rehman Khan, was arrested in Hanumangarh for marrying a Pakistani woman without legally divorcing his first wife.
  • Accusations by First Wife: The arrest followed a complaint by Khan’s first wife, Farida Bano, who accused him of dowry harassment and divorcing her through triple talaq.
  • Dowry Allegations: Bano claimed she sold her jewellery to support Khan’s business, but he abandoned her and their two children.
  • Second Marriage: Khan recently married a Pakistani woman, Mehwish, who entered India legally.
  • Arrest and Investigation: Khan was detained at Jaipur airport and formally arrested in Hanumangarh. Police are investigating the timing of the second marriage and reviewing relevant documents.
  • Charges: Khan faces charges related to marrying a second woman without divorcing his first wife and seeking dowry from her.

Supreme Court Ruling on Maintenance for Divorced Muslim Women

Key Highlights

Right to Maintenance:

  • All married and divorced women, including Muslim women, are entitled to claim maintenance from their husbands under Section 125 of the CrPC, regardless of their law.
  • This right is available even during the marriage and is not contingent upon divorce.
  • The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, does not override the right to maintenance under Section 125 CrPC.
  • The 1986 Act provides additional remedies, not a substitute for the CrPC provision.

Constitutional Basis:

  • Excluding divorced Muslim women from Section 125 CrPC would violate Article 15(1) of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on religion.
  • The right to maintenance is a constitutional commitment towards social justice and ensuring a life of dignity for women.

Purpose of Section 125 CrPC:

  • Provides a speedy remedy and prevents vagrancy by compelling the husband to support the wife.
  • Aims to achieve a social purpose by ensuring the husband fulfils his duty to provide shelter and maintenance to the wife.
  • Protects wives, including divorced women, from deprivation and destitution.

Applicability to Muslim Women:

  • The definition of “divorced woman” under the 1986 Act applies only to Muslim women divorced according to Muslim law.
  • Muslim women married under the Special Marriage Act cannot benefit from the 1986 Act and must seek maintenance under that Act or Section 125 CrPC.
  • Section 125 CrPC remains available to all divorced Muslim women to ensure they are not left without a remedy.

Overall Impact:

  • The Supreme Court’s ruling reaffirms the protection of Muslim women’s rights, ensuring they have access to maintenance under Section 125 CrPC like women of other religions.
  • It clarifies that the 1986 Act, which aimed to overturn the Shah Bano judgment, did not remove this protection.
  • The judgment emphasizes the constitutional commitment to social justice and gender equality, ensuring a life of dignity for all women, regardless of their faith.

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