New Delhi: On July 30, 2024, the Supreme Court of India intervened in the divorce case of renowned chef Kunal Kapur by issuing a stay on the Delhi High Court's decision to grant him a divorce. This move follows allegations of cruelty made by Kapur against his estranged wife.

Background of the Case

The Delhi High Court had earlier ruled in favor of Kunal Kapur, granting him a divorce on the grounds of cruelty. The court’s decision was based on the assertion that the wife's behavior towards Kapur was devoid of dignity and empathy, which, according to the court, amounted to emotional cruelty. This ruling came after Kapur challenged a family court’s earlier decision that had denied him a divorce.

Details of the Delhi High Court Ruling

The Delhi High Court emphasized that making reckless, defamatory, and humiliating allegations against a spouse in public could be considered cruelty. In Kapur’s case, the court found that his wife's conduct was disgraceful and lacked empathy, undermining the essence of their marriage. The court highlighted that no spouse should be compelled to endure such agony in a marital relationship.

Also Read : EU Proposes Alternative to Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for India Amid FTA Talks

Supreme Court’s Intervention

In response to an appeal by Kapur's wife, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, stayed the Delhi High Court's divorce verdict. The Supreme Court has also issued a notice to Kunal Kapur and referred the case to the Mediation Centre. This referral aims to explore the possibility of reaching a settlement between the estranged couple, potentially resolving their marital issues outside of court.

Allegations and Counter-Allegations

The discord between Kapur and his wife has involved conflicting allegations. Kunal Kapur, a former MasterChef India judge, accused his wife of failing to respect his parents and of humiliating him, which were central to his plea for divorce.

Conversely, Kapur's wife alleged that he made false allegations to mislead the court. She claimed that she had always tried to communicate with Kapur as a loving spouse and was loyal throughout their marriage. She alleged that Kapur had fabricated stories to obtain a divorce, misrepresenting the facts.

The Mediation Process

The Supreme Court’s referral to the Mediation Centre reflects an effort to achieve an amicable resolution of the couple’s disputes. Mediation is designed to help parties resolve their issues through negotiation rather than prolonged litigation. The process aims to address the underlying problems and assist the parties in reaching a compromise.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's stay on the Delhi High Court’s divorce verdict and the referral to the Mediation Centre represent a significant development in Kunal Kapur’s legal proceedings. As the case moves forward, the mediation process will be crucial in determining whether the estranged couple can resolve their differences. The outcome will impact not only Kapur and his wife but also set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst & Finance Saathi Telegram Channel for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Updates

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX & Upstox.