Bombay High Court Directs Family Court to Finalize Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma’s Divorce by Tomorrow

The Bombay High Court has asked the family court to decide the divorce case of Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife, Dhanashree Verma, by tomorrow. This decision was made on Wednesday after both Chahal and Dhanashree requested the court to waive the six-month waiting period required for a mutual divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act.

Why Was the Cooling-Off Period Waived?

As per Indian law, a couple seeking mutual divorce must wait six months before the court grants the final decree. This time is given to allow a chance for reconciliation. However, in 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that this period could be waived if there is no chance of the couple getting back together.

The High Court agreed to remove this waiting period because:

• Chahal and Dhanashree have been living apart for over two and a half years.
• Both had already agreed on the terms of their separation.
• The case needed to be resolved soon due to Chahal’s cricket commitments, including the upcoming IPL.

What Happened in the Family Court?

Chahal and Dhanashree had filed for divorce on February 5, 2024. They also requested the family court to waive the cooling-off period. However, on February 20, the family court refused.

The court said that Chahal had not yet completed the full alimony payment. According to their agreement, he was supposed to pay ₹4.75 crore to Dhanashree, but he had only paid ₹2.37 crore. The remaining amount was to be given later.

The family court also referred to a marriage counselor’s report, which said that only partial compliance had been done regarding mediation efforts.

What Did the High Court Say?

After reviewing the case, the High Court ruled that the consent terms were followed. The agreement allowed Chahal to pay the second installment after the divorce was finalized.

Considering these factors, the High Court decided to allow the plea and directed the family court to give its decision on the divorce by tomorrow.