Quick Summary: In a recent decision, the Bombay High Court, led by Judge Rajesh S. Patil, decided to move the divorce case filed by Suprabha Nitesh Patil to the Family Court in Bandra, Mumbai. This is where her husband, Nitesh Gajanan Patil, had already filed his case. The aim is to avoid different decisions and make the legal process smoother.
Suprabha and Nitesh, who are married, both filed for divorce in December 2022. Nitesh filed his case first at the Family Court in Bandra, Mumbai, and Suprabha filed hers shortly after at a court in Kalyan. They live about 50 km apart, with Suprabha in Kalyan and Nitesh in Mumbai.
Nitesh's lawyer argued that according to the rules, Suprabha's case should be moved to Bandra so both cases can be heard together. Suprabha's lawyer, however, pointed out past cases where the wife's convenience was considered more important.
"In marriage-related cases, the wife's convenience is usually taken into account," Suprabha's lawyer said.
Judge Rajesh S. Patil looked at the rules and noted that the law says cases filed later should be moved to the court where the first case was filed.
"The later case should be moved to the court where the first case was filed," said Judge Patil.
The court decided in favor of Nitesh, moving Suprabha's case to the Family Court in Bandra. The judge also decided that both cases should be heard together to prevent different outcomes.
Understanding that traveling might be difficult for Suprabha, the court ordered Nitesh to pay for her travel to each court session. Alternatively, Suprabha can attend hearings online unless she needs to be there in person.
"The husband will pay Rs.2,500 for each court appearance attended by the wife," the judgment stated.
The court's decision was made to ensure a smooth legal process while considering the needs of both Suprabha and Nitesh. By having both cases heard together, the court aims for a fair outcome for both parties.
