Lawyers Will Profit: Chief Justice’s Divorce Advice to Woman Seeking Consent

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud asked the woman about her educational qualifications. When the woman replied she holds an MTech and a PhD, he said she must find a job.

New Delhi: While hearing a petition to transfer a matrimonial dispute, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud advised the couple to opt for a mutual consent divorce, saying that a long legal fight would mainly benefit lawyers.

He asked the woman about her educational background. She shared that she has an MTech degree and a PhD from a US university. When asked if she was working, she said she isn’t employed at the moment.

“You are so educated and you do not have a job. You must find a job for yourself,” DY Chandrachud said.

Suggesting that she consider a mutual consent divorce, the Chief Justice said, “You could spend the next 10 years fighting this case, and only the lawyers will benefit. Why not be reasonable and settle for a mutual consent divorce? Otherwise, it will lead to criminal complaints and complications. If both of you agree, we can resolve the matter and close the cases.”

“It is obvious that you cannot go back to each other. Now if you were uneducated and illiterate, then it was different, but you are so qualified and you can get a job,” the Chief Justice added.