Court invokes Article 142 powers, terms prolonged matrimonial dispute a “ Matrimonial matter of Mahabharata” and grants complete closure
The Supreme Court dissolved a long-standing matrimonial dispute between a couple living separately for over a decade, invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to grant divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage and to quash around 80 criminal and civil proceedings pending between them.
The decision was rendered in X v. Y (name withheld), arising out of transfer petitions and connected proceedings, by a Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, by order dated April 2026.
The parties had been embroiled in extensive matrimonial litigation for over ten years, during which multiple proceedings—both civil and criminal—were initiated against each other and their respective family members across different jurisdictions. The disputes included complaints under matrimonial and criminal law statutes, resulting in approximately 80 pending cases.
The prolonged litigation had led to complete breakdown of marital ties, with no possibility of reconciliation.
The parties, appearing before the Court, indicated their inability to continue the matrimonial relationship and sought a quietus to all pending disputes. Submissions were made requesting the Court to exercise its extraordinary jurisdiction to dissolve the marriage and bring an end to the multiplicity of proceedings.
The Supreme Court took note of the prolonged and acrimonious nature of the dispute, observing that the matrimonial conflict had escalated into a “Matrimonia battle of Mahabharata,” involving numerous cases between the parties.
The Bench observed that the continuation of such litigation would serve no meaningful purpose and would only prolong the suffering of both sides. It recorded that the marriage had irretrievably broken down and that there was no possibility of reconciliation.
Relying on its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, the Court reiterated that it can grant divorce in cases where the marriage is beyond repair, even if statutory grounds under personal law are not strictly made out.
Exercising its powers under Article 142, the Court dissolved the marriage between the parties.
It further directed that all pending litigations—amounting to nearly 80 cases, including criminal proceedings—between the parties and their family members shall stand quashed to ensure complete and final settlement of disputes.
The Court thus brought a comprehensive closure to the prolonged matrimonial conflict between the parties.
