In a significant ruling on matrimonial disputes, the Supreme Court set aside a Delhi High Court order and granted divorce to a couple, while also quashing domestic violence proceedings filed by the wife. The Court held that once parties enter into a valid settlement, backing out without valid legal grounds cannot be permitted.
Background of the Case
The case arose from a long-standing matrimonial dispute between the husband and wife, who married in 2000 and later began living separately around 2022–23. The husband initially filed for divorce, after which the matter was referred to mediation.
In May 2024, both parties entered into a detailed settlement agreement. Under this arrangement, the husband agreed to pay ₹1.5 crore as full and final settlement, along with returning jewellery and other assets. The wife, in turn, agreed to dissolve the marriage through mutual consent and refrain from initiating further legal proceedings.
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The first motion for divorce was successfully recorded, and partial payments were made. However, before the second motion, the wife withdrew her consent and later filed a domestic violence complaint in 2025.
The bench of Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Rajesh Bindal took a firm view on the conduct of the parties, especially regarding withdrawal from a mediated settlement.
“The Court observed that once parties voluntarily enter into a settlement agreement, they are bound by its terms, unless it is shown that the agreement was obtained by fraud, coercion or undue influence.”
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The Court found no convincing evidence supporting the wife’s claim that she withdrew consent due to additional unrecorded promises. It noted that such claims were not part of the written settlement and were raised much later.
On the domestic violence complaint, the Court remarked:
“A complaint without specific allegations of violence, and filed after a settlement, appears to be an abuse of process.”
The bench also emphasized that allowing such litigation to continue would undermine the very purpose of mediation.
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The Supreme Court held that the domestic violence case lacked specific allegations and appeared to be an afterthought following disputes over the settlement.
It ruled that continuing such proceedings would amount to misuse of law and therefore quashed the complaint entirely.
Invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court granted divorce on the ground of “irretrievable breakdown of marriage.”
“The bench observed that the marriage had become emotionally dead and beyond salvage, with no possibility of reconciliation.”
The Court noted that the couple had been living separately for years, multiple litigations were pending, and the relationship had completely broken down.
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The Supreme Court issued the following key directions:
- The domestic violence proceedings were quashed.
- The High Court’s interim order was set aside.
- Divorce was granted subject to compliance with settlement terms.
- The husband was directed to pay the remaining settlement amount within two weeks.
- Property and financial transfers were to be completed as agreed.
- The ₹89 lakh deposited by the wife before the High Court was ordered to be returned with interest.
Case Details
Case Title: Dhananjay Rathi vs Ruchika Rathi
Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. 1924 of 2026
Judge: Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Rajesh Bindal
Decision Date: 13 April, 2026
