The husband and his father had remained in jail for 109 and 103 days respectively in the cases registered by the woman.
In an uncommon directive, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a woman and her parents to issue a public apology for subjecting her former husband and his family to 498A harassment by filing multiple cases against them.
As a result of the complaints, the husband and his father were incarcerated for 109 and 103 days respectively. The Bench, comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, observed that the entire family endured significant physical and mental distress.
Accordingly, the Court directed the woman, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, and her parents to issue a public apology through newspapers and social media within three days.
“What they have suffered cannot be resituated or compensated in any manner. xxx and her parents shall tender an unconditional apology to the husband and his Family members which shall be published in the national edition of the renowned one English and one Hindi newspaper. Such apology shall also be published and circulated on all social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other similar platforms,” the Court ordered.
However, the Court made it clear that the apology should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt and would not affect any legal rights, responsibilities, or consequences under the law.
The couple, who married in 2015 and have a daughter, separated in 2018 due to matrimonial disputes and conflicts involving their families. Following the separation, multiple legal cases were filed by both sides against each other and their relatives.
The Court granted custody of the child to the mother, while allowing the father and his family supervised visitation rights.
It also noted the wife’s decision to waive any claim to alimony or maintenance, as well as any rights over the property owned and held by the husband and his family.
In resolving the dispute, the Court quashed all criminal and civil proceedings initiated by both sides and imposed additional terms and conditions on the parties.
The Court also formally dissolved the marriage between the couple.
“In terms of the above observations, directions and conditions/settlement, we deem it appropriate to invoke our power under Article 142 of the Constitution of India and order for dissolution of marriage between…The decree of divorce shall be drawn up accordingly,” the Court ordered.