In a quiet but emotionally charged hearing on Friday, the Supreme Court brought closure to a long and bitter matrimonial dispute between Kerala natives Bino Joseph and Neena Cherian. The bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma dissolved their 2004 marriage after confirming that both sides had voluntarily reached a mediated settlement. There was no dramatic exchange in court-just a sense of finality.
Background
The couple had been living separately since 2016. Over the years, multiple cases had piled up in different courts, involving family members and associates on both sides. Their two teenage daughters have been staying with Neena in Kerala, while Joseph has been residing in Mumbai. Earlier this year, the matter was referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre to explore a final resolution.
During mediation, the parties participated virtually-Joseph from Mumbai and Neena from Canada-while their lawyers appeared physically. According to the joint settlement deed, the marriage had broken down irretrievably, and they saw no possibility of reconciliation.
Court’s Observations
When the matter was called, both parties joined the proceedings online. The judges asked them individually if they understood the settlement terms and were consenting without pressure. Both confirmed.
The bench noted that the settlement covered every aspect of their disputes-financial arrangements, custody, withdrawal of cases, and non-interference in each other's personal lives.
“The bench observed, ‘We are satisfied that the settlement has been entered into voluntarily and fully addresses the concerns of both parties.’”
A key moment in the courtroom was when a demand draft of ₹3 crore-the one-time full and final financial settlement-was handed over to Neena’s father, who was present in person. The court acknowledged the exchange as part of the settlement execution.
The settlement also ensures:
- Exclusive custody of both daughters with the mother
- Father may maintain contact and spend vacation time with them
- All pending criminal and civil cases between the families stand quashed
- Husband and wife agree not to file new cases in future over past issues
- Wife will withdraw social media allegations; husband will retract earlier accusations in private messages
The court also reminded both parties to apply for lifting the attachment of certain family properties in Kerala, as agreed.
Decision
Invoking its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court dissolved the marriage by mutual consent.
All inter-related cases listed in the settlement stand quashed.
The court concluded by appreciating the mediator and the “reasonable conduct” of both sides in reaching closure.
The order ends with a clear direction that both parties must strictly follow the terms of the settlement.
Case Title: Bino Joseph v. Neena Cherian - Supreme Court Dissolves Marriage on Mediation Settlement
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah & Justice Satish Chandra Sharma
Case Type: Special Leave Petitions (Civil)
Petitioner: Bino Joseph
Respondent: Neena Cherian & Others
