New Delhi, November 3: In a brief but significant hearing, the Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for the Bombay High Court to continue hearing the core appeals in the long-running dispute between Udita Nabha and her estranged husband, Ranjeet Nabha, even as the child’s educational expenses took centre stage. The bench, hearing the matter for barely a few minutes, made it clear that the pending Special Leave Petition (SLP) “would not come in the way” of the High Court’s main proceedings.
Background
The case, which has dragged across multiple forums for years, concerns financial arrangements and responsibilities between the separated couple. Earlier in September 2024, the Supreme Court had passed an order requiring compliance from the petitioner’s side. On Monday, senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Udita Nabha, submitted that the directions had been complied with, but a fresh financial requirement had emerged.
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The dispute now partly revolves around USD 40,257 - roughly ₹35 lakh - needed for the educational and living expenses of respondent no. 2, Naia/Nalin, who is currently pursuing studies at Columbia University.
During the hearing, it also surfaced that ₹8.25 crore had earlier been deposited by Ranjeet Nabha before the High Court, out of which ₹2 crore had already been released to the petitioner.
Court’s Observations
The bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan appeared focused on ensuring that the child’s education does not suffer amidst the ongoing legal wrangles. At one point, the bench observed, “The pendency of this special leave petition will not obstruct the High Court from disposing of the main appeals.”
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When the discussion shifted to the educational expenses, the bench listened carefully to the petitioner’s concerns regarding the outstanding payment demand from Columbia University. The judges also took note of the existing deposit with the High Court, suggesting the matter could be resolved without further delay.
Another important line from the bench came when they remarked, “This arrangement is only to ensure continuity of education for Naia/Nalin while the main dispute is resolved.”
There was a small moment of confusion in court regarding references to the child’s gender, but the bench chose not to dwell on it and instead steered the discussion back to the financial mechanism.
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Decision
Finally, the Supreme Court issued a clear directive: Naia/Nalin must file an application before the Bombay High Court specifying the exact amount needed for educational and related expenses. Once the figure is placed on record, the High Court will pass appropriate orders for release of funds from the remaining amount of approximately ₹6 crore still lying with it.
The Court emphasised that this limited direction was a temporary arrangement, solely to support the child’s education, and urged the High Court to decide the main appeals “as expeditiously as possible, preferably within three months.”
With that, the bench disposed of the interim request and left the parties to pursue the financial application before the High Court.
Case Title: Udita Nabha vs. Ranjeet Nabha & Anr.
Case Number: SLP (C) No. 22367/2024
Case Type: Special Leave Petition (Civil)
Decision Date: 03 November 2025