Srinagar, Jul 31: The Supreme Court on Friday granted a decree of divorce to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife, Payal Abdullah, after the couple informed the apex court that they had amicably settled all their disputes and sought dissolution of their marriage by mutual consent.
A Bench of the Supreme Court allowed the joint plea by invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, enabling it to dissolve the marriage in order to do complete justice between the parties.
Appearing for Omar Abdullah, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal informed the Bench that the couple had “embraced freedom” and that all issues between them had been resolved.
“All settled, Article 142 filed. My Lords may grant divorce,” Sibal submitted, following which the Court accepted the request and granted the decree of divorce.
The order marks the conclusion of a prolonged legal battle that began after Omar Abdullah filed a petition seeking dissolution of his marriage, contending that it had irretrievably broken down. He had sought divorce on the grounds of cruelty and desertion, but his plea was dismissed by both the Family Court and the Delhi High Court, prompting him to approach the Supreme Court.
During the proceedings before the apex court, the matter was referred to mediation to explore the possibility of an amicable settlement. Following successful mediation, both parties jointly invoked Article 142 of the Constitution, enabling the Supreme Court to dissolve the marriage notwithstanding the statutory limitations under matrimonial law.
Omar Abdullah and Payal Abdullah were married in 1994 and have been living separately for several years. They have two sons.
