The Bombay High Court has favored Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma, permitting them to go ahead with their consensual divorce without having to go through the required six-month waiting period under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act. The ruling was made following the court taking into consideration their long estrangement and holding of mutually agreed settlement conditions. The report by Bar and Bench has revealed the further development in Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma.
Court Orders Prompt Resolution Prior To IPL 2025
Overseeing the case, Justice Madhav Jamdar asked the family court to complete the divorce proceedings by March 20, 2025, so that Chahal’s legal issues do not hamper his commitments during the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The player, one of the important players for the tournament, will be able to concentrate fully on his work duties once his legal case is resolved.
Why Was The Cooling-Off Period Waived?
Generally, a waiting period of six months is enforced in cases of mutual divorce so that couples get time to think over their decision and try for reconciliation. But the Supreme Court in 2017 held that this waiting period can be dispensed with if there is no possibility of settlement between the parties. Since Chahal and Dhanashree had been separated for more than two and a half years, and the terms of their divorce were already agreed upon in mediation, the High Court found that delay was not warranted.
Timeline of Their Divorce Case
December 2020: Chahal and Dhanashree married.
June 2022: The couple decided to part ways.
February 5, 2025: They filed jointly for divorce in a family court, seeking the exemption of the six-month waiting period.
February 20, 2025: The family court dismissed their waiver plea on grounds that Chahal had not made complete payment of the settled alimony.
March 2025: The Bombay High Court set aside the order stating that Chahal had completed all the necessary financial obligations under the terms of consent.
Dispute Over Payment Of Alimony Settled
One of the major causes for the previous rejection by the family court was partial payment of alimony. The settlement called for Chahal to pay ₹4.75 crore, of which he had already remitted ₹2.37 crore. The family court considered this as partial payment and refused the waiver. But the High Court explained that the second installment was payable only after the final decree of divorce, i.e., Chahal had not breached the agreed settlement. This clarification resulted in the waiver being granted.
Final Decision
With the High Court’s decision, Chahal and Dhanashree’s divorce will be formally concluded by March 20, 2025. This judgment guarantees that Chahal can enter the IPL season free of legal distractions, and both parties can go their separate ways. The judgment also provides a precedent for comparable cases when extended separation and settlement compliance entitles skipping the cooling-off period.
