The Supreme Court has upheld the Punjab & Haryana High Court’s decree dissolving the marriage between Sonia Virk and Rohit Vats, while enhancing the permanent alimony payable to the wife from ₹30 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
The parties married in 2008 and separated since 2012, have been embroiled in prolonged matrimonial litigation, including divorce petitions filed by the husband.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that the marriage had “broken down irretrievably,” with no meaningful effort at reconciliation for over 13 years. Observing the relationship to be “deeply embittered and acrimonious,” the Court held that continuing the legal bond would serve neither spouse nor their 17-year-old daughter.
While affirming the High Court’s decision to grant divorce, the Supreme Court found the earlier alimony inadequate given the husband’s status as a serving judicial officer and the financial needs of both the wife, who is no longer practising, and the child, who is nearing higher education. The Court therefore increased the alimony from ₹30 Lakh to ₹50 lakh, directing payment within three months.
The Court upheld the High Court’s additional directions, including:
• deposit of approximately ₹41 lakh (LIC policy maturity amount) into the daughter’s account;
• ₹30,000 per month maintenance until she becomes self-supporting;
• the father’s obligation to bear all marriage expenses; and
• a bar on disinheriting the daughter.
The amount awarded is to be treated as a full and final settlement, and all civil and criminal proceedings arising from the marriage stand closed.
Appearances
Appellant- Mr. Amrendra Kumar Mehta, AOR Ms. Pallavi Daem, Adv. Mr. Yash Singhal, Adv. Ms. Gunjan Kumari, Adv.
Respondent- Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Sr. Adv.(V.C.) Mr. Anmol Kheta, Adv. Mr. Ankur Saigal, Adv. Ms. Tanya Srivastava, AOR Ms. Anushree Kapooria, Adv.
