SC Dissolves 15-Year Dead Marriage; Husband to Pay Rs. 1 Crore Alimony and Support Son’s Education
The Supreme Court dissolved the marriage despite wife’s objection, noting that the husband himself offered Rs. 1 crore alimony, and he still had to continue to support their son’s education
The Supreme Court dissolves an irreparably broken marriage, orders Rs. 1 crore alimony payment
The Supreme Court recently dissolved the marriage of a couple, observing that their relationship had “irretrievably broken down” after more than 15 years of separation.
The apex court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India to bring a quietus to the long-drawn matrimonial dispute, directing the husband to pay Rs. 1 crore as permanent alimony and full settlement of all claims.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the order on October 29, 2025. Court held that prolonging a legally dead marriage served no purpose and that the dissolution was necessary “to end years of acrimony and bitterness".
The couple married in October 2009, but within months, the wife alleged she was subjected to mental and physical harassment by her in-laws, forcing her to leave the matrimonial home in April 2010. She gave birth to a son later that year, in December 2010, and began living at her parental home in Jaipur.
In 2013, she approached the court seeking maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), followed by a complaint under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 in 2019. The trial court, in January 2019, ordered the husband to pay a total of Rs. 25,000 per month, including rent, utilities, and maintenance for both mother and child, along with Rs. 4 lakh compensation for emotional and physical suffering.
While both parties appealed, the Appellate Court in 2021 upheld the trial court’s directions. Later, the Family Court in 2022 granted an additional Rs. 3,000 monthly allowance. However, the Rajasthan High Court, in July 2023, set aside the Family Court’s maintenance order and quashed the Rs. 4 lakh compensation under the DV Act. It also dismissed the wife’s revision plea seeking residence rights.
Challenging the High Court’s decision, the wife approached the Supreme Court in 2024. The husband also filed a separate petition challenging the remaining directions, which was dismissed by the top court in March 2025. Subsequently, the Supreme Court issued directions for clearing arrears of maintenance.
During proceedings in July 2025, the husband offered to pay Rs. 1 crore as a lump sum settlement for permanent alimony and pending dues. After attempts at reconciliation through the Supreme Court Mediation Centre failed, the bench noted that the couple had been living apart since April 2010 and that no semblance of marital relationship remained.
“The relationship between the parties has irretrievably broken down... there is no purpose in perpetuating a legal relationship that has ceased to have any meaning,” the bench observed while granting the decree of divorce under Article 142.
Court found the Rs. 1 crore settlement “just, fair and reasonable,” taking into account the financial standing of both parties.
The order makes it clear that the payment will serve as a full and final settlement of all claims, including those of the minor child represented by the mother. However, the husband may still contribute to the child’s education voluntarily. All pending civil or criminal proceedings arising from the marriage have been quashed and closed.
The bench directed the wife to provide her bank details, and the husband to pay the entire amount within three months. Court directed the registry to draw up the decree upon proof of payment.
Case Title: Rekha Minocha Vs Amit Shah Minocha & Ors
Judgment Date: October 29, 2025
Bench: Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta