In a long-drawn marital battle that began over fifteen years ago, the Supreme Court on Wednesday dissolved the marriage between Rekha Minocha and her estranged husband, Amit Shah Minocha. The bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to bring the bitter legal fight to an end, directing the husband to pay ₹1 crore as permanent alimony to Rekha and their minor son.
Background
Rekha and Amit tied the knot on 5 October 2009, but their relationship soured within months. Rekha alleged continuous mental and physical harassment by her in-laws, forcing her to leave the matrimonial home in April 2010. Later that year, she gave birth to a son while staying with her parents.
Over the years, multiple cases emerged from the troubled marriage. Rekha sought maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code and later approached the court under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (DV Act). The trial court in 2019 ordered Amit to pay monthly maintenance for Rekha and the child, along with ₹4 lakh as compensation for emotional distress.
Both sides challenged these orders, resulting in a string of appeals before the appellate court and the Rajasthan High Court. In 2023, the High Court partially allowed Amit’s plea, setting aside the compensation amount and dismissing Rekha’s maintenance petition-prompting her to approach the Supreme Court.
Court’s Observations
During the hearing, the top court noted that the couple had been living separately since April 2010 - over fifteen years - with no sign of reconciliation. The mediation efforts at the Supreme Court Mediation Centre also failed.
“The relationship between the parties has irretrievably broken down,” the bench observed, emphasizing that continuing the marriage “would serve no meaningful purpose.”
Earlier this year, the Court had directed the husband to clear all pending maintenance arrears. Subsequently, Amit offered to pay ₹1 crore as a one-time settlement. His counsel stated before the bench that the amount would cover all pending dues and serve as permanent alimony for Rekha and their son.
The judges examined the financial status of both parties before accepting the offer. “We find the amount of ₹1,00,00,000 to be just, fair, and reasonable,” the order recorded.
Decision
Concluding the matter, the Supreme Court dissolved the marriage under Article 142, making the ₹1 crore payment a full and final settlement of all claims. The Court clarified that the father could still contribute to his child’s education voluntarily, but no further legal claims would survive between the parties.
“The respondent-husband shall pay the said amount within three months,” the order stated, adding that the registry will issue the final decree once proof of payment is provided.
With this, all pending civil and criminal proceedings between the estranged couple stand quashed, marking the end of one of Rajasthan’s prolonged matrimonial disputes.
Case Title: Rekha Minocha v. Amit Shah Minocha & Others
Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. 1595 of 2025
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Date of Judgment: October 29, 2025
