SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN

Citation: [2023] 5 S.C.R. 165

Court: Supreme Court of India

Bench: SANJAY KISHAN KAUL, SANJIV KHANNA, ABHAY S. OKA, VIKRAM NATH AND J.K. MAHESHWARI, JJ.

Judgment text

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN writ petition under Art. 32 of the Constitution SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN (Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 1118 of 2014) MAY 01, 2023 [SANJAY KISHAN KAUL, SANJIV KHANNA, ABHAY S. OKA, VIKRAM NATH AND J. K. MAHESHWARI, JJ. ] Constitution of India - Art. 142 - Scope and ambit of - Held: The power u/Art. 142(1) is undefined and uncatalogued, so as to ensure elasticity to mould relief to suit a given situation - The Supreme Court can depart from the procedure as well as the substantive laws, as long as the decision is exercised based on considerations of fundamental general and specific public policy - While deciding whether to exercise discretion, the Court must consider the substantive provisions as enacted and not ignore the same, albeit the Court acts as a problem solver by balancing out equities between the conflicting claims - This power is to be exercised in a 'cause or matter'. Constitution of India - Art.

142 - Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 - s. 13-B - Grant of a decree of divorce by mutual consent - Whether Supreme Court while hearing a transfer petition, or in any other proceedings, can exercise power u/Art. 142(1) to grant a decree of divorce by mutual consent dispensing with the period and the procedure prescribed u/s. 13-B of the Act of 1956 and also quash and dispose of other/connected proceedings and in which cases and under what circumstances should Supreme Court exercise jurisdiction u/Art. 142 - Held: In view of settlement between the parties, the Supreme Court has the discretion to dissolve the marriage by passing a decree of divorce by mutual consent, without being bound by the procedural requirement to move the second motion - This power should be exercised with care and caution, keeping in mind the factors stated in Amardeep Singh case and Amit Kumar case - This Court can also, in exercise of power u/Art.

142(1) can also quash and set aside other proceedings and orders, including criminal proceedings. 165 Constitution of India - Art. 142 - Grant of divorce in case of irretrievable breakdown of marriage - Whether Supreme Court can grant divorce in exercise of power under Article 142(1), when there is complete and irretrievable breakdown of marriage in spite of the other spouses opposing the prayer - Held: The Court in exercise of power under Art.

142(1), has the discretion to dissolve the marriage on the ground of its irretrievable breakdown - The Court's discretionary power is to be exercised to do 'complete justice' to the parties - The Court should be fully convinced and satisfied that the marriage is totally unworkable, emotionally dead and beyond salvation and, therefore, dissolution of marriage is the right solution and the only way forward - The Supreme Court, as a court of equity, is required to also balance the circumstances and the background in which the party opposing the dissolution is placed.

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 - Irretrievable breakdown of marriage - Determination of - Held: That the marriage has irretrievably broken down is to be factually determined and firmly established - For this, several factors are to be considered such as the period of time the parties had cohabited after marriage; when the parties had last cohabited; the nature of allegations made by the parties against each other and their family members; the orders passed in the legal proceedings from time to time, cumulative impact on the personal relationship; whether, and how many attempts were made to settle the disputes by intervention of the court or through mediation, and when the last attempt was made, etc.

- The period of separation should be sufficiently long, and anything above six years or more will be a relevant factor - Question of custody and welfare of minor children are also to be considered - Some of the factors mentioned can be taken as illustrative, and worthy of consideration - The factors are not codified - The exercise of jurisdiction u/Art. 142(1) is situation specific. Constitution of India - Art. 32 - Whether a party can directly canvass before the Supreme Court on the ground of irretrievable breakdown, by filing a writ petition under Art. 32 of the Constitution - Held: The parties should not be permitted to circumvent the procedure by resorting to the writ jurisdiction u/Art. 32 or 226 - The remedy of a person aggrieved by the decision of the competent judicial forum is to approach the superior forum for redressal of SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN his grievance - Relief u/Art.

32 can be sought to enforce the rights conferred by Part III of the Constitution of India, and on the proof of infringement thereof - Judicial orders passed by the court in, or in relation to, the proceedings pending before it, are not amenable to correction u/Art. 32 of the Constitution of India - The view regarding the same in Poonam v. Sumit Tanwaris accepted. Judgment/Order - Clarification - Held: It is clarified that reference in Poonam v. Sumit Tanwarand the observation that it is questionable whether the period of six months for moving the second motion can be waived has not been approved. Answering the reference, the Court HELD: The scope and ambit of power and jurisdiction of this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India; 1.

The plenary and conscientious power conferred on this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, seemingly unhindered, is tempered or bounded by restraint, which must be exercised based on fundamental considerations of general and specific public policy. Fundamental general conditions of public policy refer to the fundamental rights, secularism, federalism, and other basic features of the Constitution of India. Specific public policy should be understood as some express pre-eminent prohibition in any substantive law, and not stipulations and requirements to a particular statutory scheme. It should not contravene a fundamental and non-derogable principle at the core of the statute.

Even in the strictest sense, it was never doubted or debated that this Court is empowered under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India to do 'complete justice' without being bound by the relevant provisions of procedure, if it is satisfied that the departure from the said procedure is necessary to do 'complete justice' between the parties. Difference between procedural and substantive law in jurisprudential terms is contentious, albeit not necessary to be examined in depth in the present decision, as in terms of the dictum enunciated by this Court in Union Carbide Corporation and Supreme Court Bar Association, exercise of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India to do 'complete justice' in a 'cause or matter' is prohibited only when the exercise is to pass an order which is plainly and expressly barred by statutory provisions of substantive law based on fundamental considerations of general or specific public policy.

As explained in Supreme Court Bar Association, the exercise of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India being curative in nature, this Court would not ordinarily pass an order ignoring or disregarding a statutory provision governing the subject, except to balance the equities between conflicting claims of the litigating parties by ironing out creases in a 'cause or matter' before it. In this sense, this Court is not a forum of restricted jurisdiction when it decides and settles the dispute in a 'cause or matter'. While this Court cannot supplant the substantive law by building a new edifice where none existed earlier, or by ignoring express substantive statutory law provisions, it is a problem-solver in the nebulous areas.

As long as 'complete justice' required by the 'cause or matter' is achieved without violating fundamental principles of general or specific public policy, the exercise of the power and discretion under Article 142(1) is valid and as per the Constitution of India. This is the reason why the power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India is undefined and uncatalogued, so as to ensure elasticity to mould relief to suit a given situation. The fact that the power is conferred only on this Court is an assurance that it will be used with due restraint and circumspection. [Para 13][188-F; 189-A-C; 190-A-F] 2. Question as to the power and jurisdiction of this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India is answered holding that this Court can depart from the procedure as well as the substantive laws, as long as the decision is exercised based on considerations of fundamental general and specific public policy.

While deciding whether to exercise discretion, this Court must consider the substantive provisions as enacted and not ignore the same, albeit this Court acts as a problem solver by balancing out equities between the conflicting claims. This power is to be exercised in a 'cause or matter'. [Para 42][212-D-E] SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN Whether Court, while hearing a transfer petition, or in any other proceedings, can exercise power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, in view of the settlement between the parties, and grant a decree of divorce by mutual consent dispensing with the period and the procedure prescribed under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, and also quash and dispose of other/connected proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, or criminal prosecution primarily under Section 498-A and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

If the answer to this question is in the affirmative, in which cases and under what circumstances should this Court exercise jurisdiction under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India is an ancillary issue to be decided; 3. There is a difference between existence of a power, and exercise of that power in a given case. Existence of power is generally a matter of law, whereas exercise of power is a mixed question of law and facts. Even when the power to pass a decree of divorce by mutual consent exists and can be exercised by this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, when and in which of the cases the power should be exercised to do 'complete justice' in a 'cause or matter' is an issue that has to be determined independent of existence of the power. This discretion has to be exercised on the basis of the factual matrix in the particular case, evaluated on objective criteria and factors, without ignoring the objective of the statutory provisions.

[Para 20][196-C-D] 4. Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act does not impose any fetters on the powers of this Court to grant a decree of divorce by mutual consent on a joint application, when the substantive conditions of the Section are fulfilled and the Court, after referring to the factors mentioned above, is convinced and of the opinion that the decree of divorce should be granted. [Para 21][197-A- B] 5. The legislature and the Courts treat matrimonial litigations as a special, if not a unique category. Public policy underlying the legislations dealing with family and matrimonial matters is to encourage mutual settlement, as is clearly stated in Section 89 of the C. P. C. , Section 23(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, and Section 9 of the Family Courts Act, 1984.

Given that there are multiple legislations governing different aspects, even if the cause of dispute is identical or similar, most matrimonial disputes lead to a miscellany of cases including criminal cases, at times genuine, and on other occasions initiated because of indignation, hurt, anger or even misguided advice to teach a lesson. The multiplicity of litigations can restrict and block solutions, as a settlement has to be holistic and comprehensive, given that the objective and purpose is to enable the parties to cohabit and live together, or if they decide to part ways, to have a new beginning and settle down to live peacefully. The courts must not encourage matrimonial litigation, and prolongation of such litigation is detrimental to both the parties who lose their young age in chasing multiple litigations.

Thus, adopting a hyper-technical view can be counter-productive as pendency itself causes pain, suffering and harassment and, consequently, it is the duty of the court to ensure that matrimonial matters are amicably resolved, thereby bringing the agony, affliction, and torment to an end. In this regard, the courts only have to enquire and ensure that the settlement between the parties is achieved without pressure, force, coercion, fraud, misrepresentation, or undue influence, and that the consent is indeed sought by free will and choice, and the autonomy of the parties is not compromised. In view of the above legal position and discussion, Supreme Court, on the basis of settlement between the parties, while passing a decree of divorce by mutual consent, can set aside and quash other proceedings and orders, including criminal cases and First Information Report(s), provided the conditions, as specified in the various judgments, are satisfied. [Para 22][197-B-D; 198-A, D] 6.

This Court, in view of settlement between the parties, has the discretion to dissolve the marriage by passing a decree of divorce by mutual consent, without being bound by the procedural requirement to move the second motion. This power should be exercised with care and caution, keeping in mind the factors stated in Amardeep Singh and Amit Kumar. This Court can also, in exercise of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, quash and set aside other proceedings and orders, including criminal proceedings. [Para 42][213-C-D] SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN Whether this Court can grant divorce in exercise of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India when there is complete and irretrievable breakdown of marriage in spite of the other spouse opposing the prayer. 7.

This Court would not read the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, their underlying intent, and any fundamental specific issue of public policy, as barring this Court from dissolving a broken and shattered marriage in exercise of the Constitutional power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India. If at all, the underlying fundamental issues of public policy, as explained in the judgments of V. Bhagat, Ashok Hurra, and Naveen Kohli, support the view that it would be in the best interest of all, including the individuals involved, to give legality, in the form of formal divorce, to a dead marriage, otherwise the litigation(s), resultant sufferance, misery and torment shall continue. Therefore, apportioning blame and greater fault may not be the rule to resolve and adjudicate the dispute in rare and exceptional matrimonial cases, as the rules of evidence under the Evidence Act are rules of procedure.

When the life-like situation is known indubitably, the essence and objective behind section 13(1)(i-a) of the Hindu Marriage Act that no spouse should be subjected to mental cruelty and live in misery and pain is established. These rules of procedure must give way to 'complete justice' in a 'cause or matter'. Fault theory can be diluted by this Court to do 'complete justice' in a particular case, without breaching the self- imposed restraint applicable when this Court exercises power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India. [Para 30][205- C-F] 8. It is clearly stated that grant of divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage by this Court is not a matter of right, but a discretion which is to be exercised with great care and caution, keeping in mind several factors ensuring that 'complete justice' is done to both parties.

It is obvious that this Court should be fully convinced and satisfied that the marriage is totally unworkable, emotionally dead and beyond salvation and, therefore, dissolution of marriage is the right solution and the only way forward. That the marriage has irretrievably broken down is to be factually determined and firmly established. For this, several factors are to be considered such as the period of time the parties had cohabited after marriage; when the parties had last cohabited; the nature of allegations made by the parties against each other and their family members; the orders passed in the legal proceedings from time to time, cumulative impact on the personal relationship; whether, and how many attempts were made to settle the disputes by intervention of the court or through mediation, and when the last attempt was made, etc. The period of separation should be sufficiently long, and anything above six years or more will be a relevant factor.

But these facts have to be evaluated keeping in view the economic and social status of the parties, including their educational qualifications, whether the parties have any children, their age, educational qualification, and whether the other spouse and children are dependent, in which event how and in what manner the party seeking divorce intends to take care and provide for the spouse or the children. Question of custody and welfare of minor children, provision for fair and adequate alimony for the wife, and economic rights of the children and other pending matters, if any, are relevant considerations. This Court would not like to codify the factors so as to curtail exercise of jurisdiction under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, which is situation specific. Some of the factors mentioned can be taken as illustrative, and worthy of consideration. [Para 33][207-C-G; 208-A] 9.

This Court, in exercise of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, has the discretion to dissolve the marriage on the ground of its irretrievable breakdown. This discretionary power is to be exercised to do 'complete justice' to the parties, wherein this Court is satisfied that the facts established show that the marriage has completely failed and there is no possibility that the parties will cohabit together, and continuation of the formal legal relationship is unjustified. The Court, as a court of equity, is required to also balance the circumstances and the background in which the party opposing the dissolution is placed. [Para 42][213-F-G] 10. This Court is of the opinion that the decisions of this Court in Manish Goel , Neelam Kumar , Darshan Gupta , Hitesh SHILPA SAILESH v.

VARUN SREENIVASAN Bhatnagar, Savitri Pandey and others have to be read down in the context of the power of this Court given by the Constitution of India to do 'complete justice' in exercise of the jurisdiction under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India. In consonance with our findings on the scope and ambit of the power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, in the context of matrimonial disputes arising out of the Hindu Marriage Act, this Court hold that the power to do 'complete justice' is not fettered by the doctrine of fault and blame, applicable to petitions for divorce under Section 13(1)(i-a) of the Hindu Marriage Act. As held above, this Court's power to dissolve marriage on settlement by passing a decree of divorce by mutual consent, as well as quash and set aside other proceedings, including criminal proceedings, remains and can be exercised. [Para 40][211-B-D] 11.

Lastly, this Court must express its opinion on whether a party can directly canvass before this Court the ground of irretrievable breakdown by filing a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. In Poonam v. Sumit Tanwar, a two judges' bench of this Court has rightly held that any such attempt must be spurned and not accepted, as the parties should not be permitted to file a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, or for that matter under Article 226 of the Constitution of India before the High Court, and seek divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage. The reason is that the remedy of a person aggrieved by the decision of the competent judicial forum is to approach the superior tribunal/forum for redressal of his/her grievance. The parties should not be permitted to circumvent the procedure by resorting to the writ jurisdiction under Article 32 or 226 of the Constitution of India, as the case may be.

Secondly, and more importantly, relief under Article 32 of the Constitution of India can be sought to enforce the rights conferred by Part III of the Constitution of India, and on the proof of infringement thereof. Judicial orders passed by the court in, or in relation to, the proceedings pending before it, are not amenable to correction under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. Therefore, a party cannot file a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India and seek relief of dissolution of marriage directly from this Court. [Para 41][211- E-G; 212-A] M. Siddiq (Dead) Through Legal Representatives (Ram Janmabhumi Temple Case) v. Mahant Suresh Das and Others (2020) 1 SCC 1 : [2019] 18 SCR 1; Prem Chand Garg and Another v. The Excise Commissioner, U. P. and OthersAIR 1963 SC 996 :[1963] Suppl. SCR 885; Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India and Another(1998) 4 SCC 409 : [1998] 2 SCR 795 - followed. Union Carbide Corporation and Others v.

Union of India and Others(1991) 4 SCC 584 : [1991] 1 Suppl. SCR 251; Amardeep Singh v. Harveen Kaur (2017) 8 SCC 746 : [2017] 8 SCR 925; Amit Kumar v. Suman Beniwal(2021) SCC Online SC 1270 - relied on. Poonam v. Sumit Tanwar(2010) 4 SCC 460 : [2010] 3 SCR 557 - affirmed. Manish Goel v. Rohini Goel(2010) 4 SCC 393 : [2010] 2 SCR 414; Anjana Kishore v. Puneet Kishore(2002) 10 SCC 194; Pradip Chandra Parija and Others v. Pramod Chandra Patnaik and Others(2002) 1 SCC 1 : [2001] 5 Suppl. SCR 460; State (Through Central Bureau of Investigation) v. Kalyan Singh (Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh) and Others(2017) 7 SCC 444 : [2017] 6 SCR 946; I. C. Golak Nath and Others v. State of Punjab and AnotherAIR 1967 SC 1643 : [1967] SCR 762; B. S. Joshi and Others v. State of Haryana and Another (2003) 4 SCC 675 : [2003] 2 SCR 1104; Gian Singh v. State of Punjab and Another (2012) 10 SCC 303 : [2012] 8 SCR 753;Jitendra Raghuvanshi and Others v.

Babita Raghuvanshi and Another (2013) 4 SCC 58 : [2013] 2 SCR 921; State of Madhya Pradesh v. Laxmi Narayan and Others (2019) 5 SCC 688 : [2019] 2 SCR 864; N. G. Dastane v. S. Dastane(1975) 2 SCC 326 : [1975] 3 SCR 967; V. Bhagat v. D. Bhagat(1994) 1 SCC 337 : [1993] 3 Suppl. SCR 796; Ashok Hurra v. Rupa Bipin Zaveri (1997) 4 SCC 226 : [1997] 2 SCR 875; Naveen Kohli v. Neelu Kohli(2006) 4 SCC 558 : [2006] 3 SCR 53; Munish Kakkar v. Nidhi Kakkar(2020) 14 SCC 657 : SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [2019] 15 SCR 169; Sivasankaran v. Santhimeenal 2021 SCC OnLine SC 702; R. Srinivas Kumar v. R. Shametha (2019) 9 SCC 409 : [2019] 12 SCR 873; Hitesh Bhatnagar v. Deepa Bhatnagar(2011) 5 SCC 234 : [2011] 6 SCR 118; Sureshta Devi v. Om Prakash(1991) 2 SCC 25 : [1991] 1 SCR 274; Smruti Pahariya v. Sanjay Pahariya(2009) 13 SCC 338 : [2009] 8 SCR 631; Shyam Sundar Kohli v. Sushma Kohli Alias Satya Devi(2004) 7 SCC 747; Darshan Gupta v.

Radhika Gupta(2013) 9 SCC 1 : [2013] 10 SCR 937; Gurbux Singh v. Harminder Kaur(2010) 14 SCC 301 : [2010] 12 SCR 275; Neelam Kumar v. Dayarani(2010) 13 SCC 298; Satish Sitole v. Ganga(2008) 7 SCC 734 : [2008] 10 SCR 767; Vishnu Dutt Sharma v. Manju Sharma(2009) 6 SCC 379 : [2009] 3 SCR 891; Savitri Pandey v. Prem Chandra Pandey(2002) 2 SCC 73 : [2002] 1 SCR 50; Jorden Diengdeh v. S. S. Chopra (1985) 3 SCC 62 : [1985] 1 Suppl. SCR 704 - referred to. Horton v. Horton[1940] P. 187; Owens v. Owens(2018) UKSC 41 - referred to. Case Law Reference (2002) 10 SCC 194 referred to Para 1 [2010] 2 SCR 414 referred to Para 1 [2001] 5 Suppl. SCR 46 referred to Para 5 [2019] 18 SCR 1 followed Para 9 [2017] 6 SCR 946 referred to Para 9 [1967] SCR 762 referred to Para 9 [1991] 1 Suppl. SCR 251 relied on Para 10 [1963] Suppl.

SCR 885 followed Para 11 [1998] 2 SCR 795 followed Para 11 [2017] 8 SCR 925 relied on Para 17 [2003] 2 SCR 1104 referred to Para 22 [2012] 8 SCR 753 referred to Para 22 [2013] 2 SCR 921 referred to Para 22 [2019] 2 SCR 864 referred to Para 22 [1975] 3 SCR 967 referred to Para 25 [1993] 3 Suppl. SCR 796 referred to Para 26 [1997] 2 SCR 875 referred to Para 27 [2006] 3 SCR 53 referred to Para 28 [2019] 15 SCR 169 referred to Para 31 [2019] 12 SCR 873 referred to Para 32 [2011] 6 SCR 118 referred to Para 35 [1991] 1 SCR 274 referred to Para 35 [2009] 8 SCR 631 referred to Para 35 (2004) 7 SCC 747 referred to Para 36 [2013] 10 SCR 937 referred to Para 37 [2010] 12 SCR 275 referred to Para 37 (2010) 13 SCC 298 referred to Para 38 [2008] 10 SCR 767 referred to Para 38 [2009] 3 SCR 891 referred to Para 38 [2002] 1 SCR 50 referred to Para 39 [1985] 1 Suppl. SCR 704 referred to Para 39 [2010] 3 SCR 557 affirmed Para 41 CIVIL ORIGINAL JURISDICTION: Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 1118 of 2014.

Petition seeking transfer of P. A. No. 1148 of 2013 of the Family Court, Pune at Pune, to Family Court Ernakulam, Kerala State. With Transfer Petition (Criminal) Nos. 96, 339, 382, 468 of 2014 and Transfer Petition (Civil) Nos. 1481-1482 of 2014. SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN Ms. Indira Jaising, V. Giri, Ms. Meenakshi Arora, Dushyant Dave, Sr. Advs. , (AC) Paras Nath Singh, Rohin Bhatt, Ms. Suveni Bhagat, Ms. Ankita Gupta, Shrirang Varma, Arjun Ranganathan, Chandratanay Chaube, Ms. Kiran Bhardwaj, Ms. Neha Sangwan, Advs. V. Mohana, Sr. Adv. , Ms. Hetu Arora Sethi, Ms. Saumya Tandon, Ms. L. M. Bhat, Rahul Jain, Anirudh Bhat, Ms. Jyotika Kalra, Ms. Annwesha Deb, Ms. Ayushi Chugh, Ms. Piyushi Malik, Aditya Jha, Kartik Sundar, Amol Chitale, Nirnimesh Dube, Ankur S Kulkarni, Susheel Joseph Cyriac, Ms. Sonia Dube, Subash Nair, Ms. Uditha Chakravarthy for M/s. Lex Regis Law Offices, Roy Abraham, Ms. Reena Roy, Akhil Abraham Roy, Mrs. Rajni Ohri Lal, Yaduinder Lal, Himinder Lal, Advs.

for the Petitioner. Jay Savla, Sr. Advs. , Kapil Sibal, Jasdeep Dhillon, Ms. Mohina Anand, Anurag, Prabhat Chaurasia, Ms. Renuka Sahu, Sanjeev Agarwal, Ms. P. Ankleshwari, Rohit Sharma, Shlok Chandra, Mukul Katyal, Rishabh Parikh, Ms. Aparajita jamwal, Nimit Saigal, Ms. Malavika Rajkotia, Ajunee Singh, Ms. Devina Malviya, Ms. Shrieya Maheshwari, Vikrant Pachandra, Ms. Mansie Jain, Rohit Sharma, Ashok Kumar, Advs. for the Respondent. The Judgment of the Court was delivered by SANJIV KHANNA, J. Background. The issues before this Constitution Bench, as adumbrated below, arise primarily from the order dated 12. 05. 2010 passed in T. P. (C) No. 899 of 2007, Neeti Malviyav. Rakesh Malviya,wherein a bench of two judges had doubted the view expressed in Anjana Kishore v. Puneet Kishore1 and Manish Goel v.

Rohini Goel2 that this Court, in exercise of the power under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, cannot reduce or waive the period of six months for moving the second motion as stipulated in sub-section (2) to Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 19563. Noticing that this Court, some High Courts and even family courts in some States had been dispensing with or reducing the period of six months for moving the second motion when there was no possibility 1 (2002) 10 SCC 194. This decision is rendered by a three judges' bench. 2 (2010) 4 SCC 393. 3 For Short, 'Hindu Marriage Act'. whatsoever of the spouses cohabiting, the following question was referred to a three judges' bench for a clear ruling and future guidance: "(I) Whether the period prescribed in sub-section (2) of Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 can be waived or reduced by this Court in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution? " However, the question was never decided, since T. P.

(C) No. 899 of 2007 was rendered infructuous as the parties, subsequent to the order of reference, had dissolved their marriage by mutual consent. 2. In T. P. (C) No. 1118 of 20144, Shilpa Shaileshv. Varun Sreenivasan, a bench of two judges, vide the order dated 06. 04. 20155, issued notice to the Attorney General for India for addressing arguments on the following issues: "1. The scope and extent of power of this court under Article 142 of the Constitution of India insofar as dispensing with the period of notice under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 is concerned. 2. The stand of the Government with regard to statutory incorporation of irretrievable break-down of marriage as one of the conditions for grant of divorce. 3. Any other incidental and ancillary issue that may arise may also be addressed by the learned Attorney General. " 3.

The Attorney General for India, in paragraph 5 of his written submissions, had suggested two additional questions of law, which read thus: "In view of the decisions of the Hon'ble Court in the above cases, the view of the Hon'ble Court that divorce can be granted on the ground of "irretrievable break-down of marriage" even in the absence of such ground being contemplated by the Legislature may require consideration by the Constitution Bench. 4 Tagged with T. P. (Crl) No. 96 of 2014, T. P. (Crl) No. 339 of 2014, T. P. (Crl. ) No. 382 of 2014, T. P. (Crl. ) No. 468 of 2014 and T. P. (C) No. 1481 - 1482 of 2014. 5 T. P. (C) No. 1118 of 2014 along with T. P. (Crl. ) No. 382 of 2014, T. P. (Crl. ) No. 468 of 2014 and T. P. (C) No. 1481 - 1482 of 2014. SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J.

] Similarly, the issue as to whether the period prescribed in sub- section (2) of Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 can be waived or reduced by this Court in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution also requires consideration by the Constitution Bench. " 4. T. P. (C) No. 1118 of 20146 was effectively disposed of vide the order dated 06. 05. 2015 dissolving the marriage by grant of divorce by mutual consent with the two judges' bench exercising jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution of India. However, in view the conflicting ratio of the judgments of this Court on the applicability of the power and jurisdiction of this Court under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, the two judges' bench of this Court deferred the transfer petition to remain pending for statistical purposes, and formulated the following questions of law to be decided by a three judges' bench: "4.

Notwithstanding the above order passed by us, for the purposes of statistics the present transfer petitions shall remain pending as we are of the view that an issue of some importance needs to be addressed by the Court in view of the huge number of requests for exercise of power under Article 142 of the Constitution that has confronted this Court consequent to settlement arrived at by and between the husband and the wife to seek divorce by mutual consent. 5. The questions are formulated herein below: 1. "What could be the broad parameters for exercise of powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to dissolve a marriage between the consenting parties without referring the parties to the Family Court to wait for the mandatory period prescribed under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act. 2. Whether the exercise of such jurisdiction under Article 142 should not be made at all or whether such exercise should be left to be determined in the facts of every case. " 5.

Thereafter, vide the order dated 29. 06. 2016, another bench of two judges of this Court, on examining the questions formulated in T. P. (C) No. 1118 of 2014, referred to Article 145(3) of the Constitution of 6 Along with T. P. (Crl. ) No. 382 of 2014, T. P. (Crl. ) No. 468 of 2014 and T. P. (C) No. 1481 - 1482 of 2014. India, and relying on Pradip Chandra Parija and Othersv. Pramod Chandra Patnaik and Others7, accepted the submission made by the Attorney General for India to refer the questions formulated in T. P. (C) No. 1118 of 2014 for consideration of the Constitution Bench8. It was left to the discretion of the Constitution Bench to decide whether it would be inclined to consider the two questions of law indicated by the Attorney General for India. 6. This Constitution Bench, after hearing the parties, vide the order dated 20. 09.

2022, had deemed it appropriate to formulate another question of law, which reads thus: "We do believe that another question which would require consideration would be whether the power under Article 142 of the Constitution of India is inhibited in any manner in a scenario where there is an irretrievable breakdown of marriage in the opinion of the Court but one of the parties is not consenting to the terms. " 7.

Accordingly, the following substantial questions of law arise for consideration before us: (i) The scope and ambit of power and jurisdiction of this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India; (ii) Secondly, in view of, and depending upon the findings of this bench on the first question, whether this Court, while hearing a transfer petition, or in any other proceedings, can exercise power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, in view of the settlement between the parties, and grant a decree of divorce by mutual consent dispensing with the period and the procedure prescribed under Section 13- B of the Hindu Marriage Act, and also quash and dispose of other/connected proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 20059, Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 197310, or criminal prosecution primarily under Section 498-A and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 186011. If the answer 7 (2002) 1 SCC 1.

8 We are not examining and commenting on the ratio expounded in Pradip Chandra Parija & Others (supra). 9 For short, 'Domestic Violence Act'. 10 For short, 'Cr. P. C. '. 11 For short, 'I. P. C. '. SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] to this question is in the affirmative, in which cases and under what circumstances should this Court exercise jurisdiction under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India is an ancillary issue to be decided; and (iii) The third issue, which is of considerable importance, is whether this Court can grant divorce in exercise of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India when there is complete and irretrievable breakdown of marriage in spite of the other spouse opposing the prayer. Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India. 8. Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India reads: "142. Enforcement of decrees and orders of Supreme Court and orders as to discovery, etc.

--(1) The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, and any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe. " This provision, apparently unique as it does not have any counterpart in most of the major written constitutions of the world12, has its origin in and is inspired from the age-old concepts of justice, equity, and good conscience. Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, which gives wide and capacious power to the Supreme Court to do 'complete justice' in any 'cause or matter' is significant, as the judgment delivered by this Court ends the litigation between the parties.

Given the expansive amplitude of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, the exercise of power must be legitimate, and clamours for caution, mindful of the danger that arises from adopting an individualistic approach as to the exercise of the Constitutional power. 9. Interpreting Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, in M. Siddiq (Dead) Through Legal Representatives (Ram 12 The Constitutions of Bangladesh and Nepal have provisions similar to Article 142 of the Constitution of India, suggesting that they have drawn inspiration from Article 142 of the Constitution of India. Janmabhumi Temple Case) v. Mahant Suresh Das and Others13, the Constitution Bench of this Court has summarised the contours of the power as: "1023. ... The phrase 'is necessary for doing complete justice' is of a wide amplitude and encompasses a power of equity which is employed when the strict application of the law is inadequate to produce a just outcome.

The demands of justice require a close attention not just to positive law but also to the silences of positive law to find within its interstices, a solution that is equitable and just. The legal enterprise is premised on the application of generally worded laws to the specifics of a case before courts. The complexities of human history and activity inevitably lead to unique contests "such as in this case, involving religion, history and the law -- which the law, by its general nature, is inadequate to deal with. Even where positive law is clear, the deliberately wide amplitude of the power under Article 142 empowers a court to pass an order which accords with justice. For justice is the foundation which brings home the purpose of any legal enterprise and on which the legitimacy of the rule of law rests. The equitable power under Article 142 of the Constitution brings to fore the intersection between the general and specific.

Courts may find themselves in situations where the silences of the law need to be infused with meaning or the rigours of its rough edges need to be softened for law to retain its humane and compassionate face... " Words in the above quotation that 'the equitable power under Article 142 of the Constitution of India brings to fore the intersection between the general and specific' laws, should be read as making a reference to the classification of equity by Professor C. K. Allen14 in two principle forms: (i) a liberal and humane interpretation of law in general, so far as that is possible without actual antagonism to the law itself - called equity in general; and (ii) a liberal and humane modification of the law in exceptional cases, not coming within the ambit of the general rule - called particular equity.

15 The words 'cause or matter' in Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, which particularise and empower this Court to do 'complete justice' in that 'cause or matter', are relatable 13 (2020) 1 SCC 1. 14 'See - C. K. Allen, Law in the Making (Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1927). 15 See - Ninad Laud, Rationalising "Complete Justice" under Article 142, (2021) 1 SCC J-30. SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] to particular equity16. This is the reason that it has been held that Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India turns the maxim 'equity follows the law' on its head, as this Article in the Constitution of India gives legal authority to this Court to give precedence to equity over law. This power, like all powers under the Constitution of India, must be contained and regulated, as it has been held that relief based on equity should not disregard the substantive mandate of law based on underlying fundamental general and specific issues of public policy.

Subject to this limitation, this Court, while moulding relief, can go to the extent of relaxing the application of law to the parties or exempting the parties altogether from the rigours of the law, in view of the particular facts and circumstances of the case. 17 In I. C. Golak Nath and Others v. State of Punjab and Another18, K. Subba Rao, CJ. , while invoking the doctrine of prospective overruling, held that the power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India is wide and elastic, and enables this Court to formulate legal doctrines to meet the ends of justice, and the only limitation thereon is reason, restraint and injustice. Restraint and deference are facets of the Rule of Law, and when it comes to the separation of the role and functions of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, the exercise of power by this Court to do 'complete justice', being for a 'cause or matter', does not interfere with and encroach on the legislature's power and function to legislate.

Clearly, when this Court exercises jurisdiction conferred by Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India to do 'complete justice' in a 'cause or matter', it acts within the four corners of the Constitution of India. The power specifically bestowed by the Constitution of India on the apex court of the country is with a purpose, and should be considered as integral to the decision in a 'cause or matter'. To do 'complete justice' is the utmost consideration and guiding spirit of Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India. 10. In Union Carbide Corporation and Others v. Union of India and Others19, this Court laid specific emphasis on the expression 'cause or matter' to observe that 'cause' means any action or criminal 16 As this Court interprets the law and adjudicates specific cases, in many a case, it exercises and applies both equity in general and particular equity. Also see - distinction between 'cause' and 'matter'. 17 See - State (Through Central Bureau of Investigation) v.

Kalyan Singh (Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh) and Others, (2017) 7 SCC 444. 18 AIR 1967 SC 1643. 19 (1991) 4 SCC 584. proceedings, and 'matter' means any proceedings in the court and not in a 'cause'. The words 'cause or matter', when used together, cover almost every kind of proceedings in court, whether civil or criminal, interlocutory or final, before or after judgment. Having held so, this Court observed thus: "83. It is necessary to set at rest certain misconceptions in the arguments touching the scope of the powers of this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution. These issues are matters of serious public importance. The proposition that a provision in any ordinary law irrespective of the importance of the public policy on which it is founded, operates to limit the powers of the apex Court under Article 142(1) is unsound and erroneous. In both Garg as well as Antulay cases the point was one of violation of constitutional provisions and constitutional rights.

The observations as to the effect of inconsistency with statutory provisions were really unnecessary in those cases as the decisions in the ultimate analysis turned on the breach of constitutional rights. We agree with Shri Nariman that the power of the Court under Article 142 insofar as quashing of criminal proceedings are concerned is not exhausted by Section 320 or 321 or 482 CrPC or all of them put together. The power under Article 142 is at an entirely different level and of a different quality. Prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot, ipso facto, act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. Such prohibitions or limitations in the statutes might embody and reflect the scheme of a particular law, taking into account the nature and status of the authority or the court on which conferment of powers -limited in some appropriate way -- is contemplated.

The limitations may not necessarily reflect or be based on any fundamental considerations of public policy. Sri Sorabjee, learned Attorney General, referring to Garg case, said that limitation on the powers under Article 142 arising from "inconsistency with express statutory provisions of substantive law" must really mean and be understood as some express prohibition contained in any substantive statutory law. He suggested that if the expression 'prohibition' is read in place of 'provision' that would perhaps convey the appropriate idea. But we think that such prohibition should also be shown to be based on some underlying fundamental and general issues of public policy and not merely incidental to a SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] particular statutory scheme or pattern. It will again be wholly incorrect to say that powers under Article 142 are subject to such express statutory prohibitions.

That would convey the idea that statutory provisions override a constitutional provision. Perhaps, the proper way of expressing the idea is that in exercising powers under Article 142 and in assessing the needs of "complete justice" of a cause or matter, the apex Court will take note of the express prohibitions in any substantive statutory provision based on some fundamental principles of public policy and regulate the exercise of its power and discretion accordingly. The proposition does not relate to the powers of the Court under Article 142, but only to what is or is not 'complete justice' of a cause or matter and in the ultimate analysis of the propriety of the exercise of the power. No question of lack of jurisdiction or of nullity can arise. " 11. Whether this ratio is in conflict with the earlier decisions20 of this Court, including Prem Chand Garg and Another v. The Excise Commissioner, U. P.

and Others21,wherein five judges of the Constitution Bench had held that this power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India cannot be employed to make an order plainly inconsistent with the express statutory provision or substantive law, much less inconsistent with any Constitutional provisions, was examined by another five judges' bench of this Court in Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India and Another22, to observe that there was no conflict of ratios as elucidated in Union Carbide Corporation (supra)and other cases. It is one thing to state that prohibitions or limitations cannot come in the way of the exercise of jurisdiction under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India to do 'complete justice' between 20 A. R. Antulay v. R. S. Nayak and Another, (1988) 2 SCC 602; Delhi Judicial Service Association, Tis Hazari Court, Delhi v. State of Gujarat and Others, (1991) 4 SCC 406; and Mohammed Anis v. Union of India and Others, 1994 Suppl. (1) SCC 145.

In Mohammed Anis, this Court, while elucidating and unfolding the aspect of public policy and when it would operate to limit the power of the Supreme Court, observes that given the nature of power conferred by the Constitution of India on this Court under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, which is of a different quality and level, prohibitions or limitations on provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot ipso facto act as prohibitions or limitations on the Constitutional power under Article 142 of the Constitution of India. The decision observes that mere reference to a larger bench does not prohibit this Court in a given case from its exercise of powers conferred under Article 142 of the Constitution of India. 21 AIR 1963 SC 996. 22 (1998) 4 SCC 409.

the parties in the pending 'cause or matter' arising out of that statute, but quite a different thing to say that, while exercising jurisdiction under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, this Court can altogether ignore the substantive provisions of the statute dealing with the subject and pass orders concerning an issue which can be settled only through a mechanism prescribed in the statute. 23 These observations were in the context of the powers conferred on the State Bar Councils under the Advocates Act, 1961, which, at the first instance, is empowered to decide whether an advocate is guilty of professional misconduct depending on the gravity and nature of his contumacious conduct. This Court, in Supreme Court Bar Association (supra), has highlighted that the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in contempt, and the jurisdiction of the State Bar Councils under the Advocates Act, 1961 are separate and distinct, and are exercisable by following separate and distinct procedures.

The power to punish for contempt of court vests exclusively with the courts, whereas the power to punish an advocate for professional misconduct has been vested with the concerned State Bar Council and the Bar Council of India. In this context, we would like to quote the following passages from Supreme Court Bar Association (supra): "47. The plenary powers of this Court under Article 142 of the Constitution are inherent in the Court and are complementary to those powers which are specifically conferred on the Court by various statutes though are not limited by those statutes. These powers also exist independent of the statutes with a view to do complete justice between the parties. These powers are of very wide amplitude and are in the nature of supplementary powers. This power exists as a separate and independent basis of jurisdiction apart from the statutes.

It stands upon the foundation and the basis for its exercise may be put on a different and perhaps even wider footing, to prevent injustice in the process of litigation and to do complete justice between the parties. This plenary jurisdiction is, thus, the residual source of power which this Court may draw upon as necessary whenever it is just and equitable to do so and in particular to ensure the observance of the due process of law, to do complete justice between the parties, while administering justice according to law. There is no doubt that it is an indispensable adjunct to all other powers and is free from the 23 There is also distinction between existence of power, and proper exercise of power in a given case, which aspect we have subsequently examined in paragraph 20. SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] restraint of jurisdiction and operates as a valuable weapon in the hands of the Court to prevent "clogging or obstruction of the stream of justice".

It, however, needs to be remembered that the powers conferred on the Court by Article 142 being curative in nature cannot be construed as powers which authorise the Court to ignore the substantive rights of a litigant while dealing with a cause pending before it. This power cannot be used to "supplant" substantive law applicable to the case or cause under consideration of the Court. Article 142, even with the width of its amplitude, cannot be used to build a new edifice where none existed earlier, by ignoring express statutory provisions dealing with a subject and thereby to achieve something indirectly which cannot be achieved directly. Punishing a contemner advocate, while dealing with a contempt of court case by suspending his licence to practice, a power otherwise statutorily available only to the Bar Council of India, on the ground that the contemner is also an advocate, is, therefore, not permissible in exercise of the jurisdiction under Article 142.

The construction of Article 142 must be functionally informed by the salutary purposes of the article, viz. , to do complete justice between the parties. It cannot be otherwise. As already noticed in a case of contempt of court, the contemner and the court cannot be said to be litigating parties. 48. The Supreme Court in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 142 has the power to make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice "between the parties in any cause or matter pending before it". The very nature of the power must lead the Court to set limits for itself within which to exercise those powers and ordinarily it cannot disregard a statutory provision governing a subject, except perhaps to balance the equities between the conflicting claims of the litigating parties by "ironing out the creases" in a cause or matter before it. Indeed this Court is not a court of restricted jurisdiction of only dispute-settling.

It is well recognised and established that this Court has always been a lawmaker and its role travels beyond merely dispute-settling. It is a "problem-solver in the nebulous areas" but the substantive statutory provisions dealing with the subject-matter of a given case cannot be altogether ignored by this Court, while making an order under Article 142. Indeed, these constitutional powers cannot, in any way, be controlled by any statutory provisions but at the same time these powers are not meant to be exercised when their exercise may come directly in conflict with what has been expressly provided for in a statute dealing expressly with the subject. " 12. We must, at this stage, as noticed in Union Carbide Corporation (supra), draw a distinction between the Constitutional power exercisable by this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, and the inherent power of the civil court recognised by Section 151 of the C. P. C.

and the inherent power of the High Court under Section 482 Cr. P. C. , which provisions empower the civil court in civil cases and the High Court in criminal cases to pass such orders as may be necessary to meet the 'ends of justice' or to prevent abuse of the process of court. The expression 'ends of justice' refers to the best interest of the public within the four corners of the law, albeit the courts are not empowered to act contrary to the procedure on the particular aspect of law provided in the C. P. C. and the Cr. P. C. Where the C. P. C. and the Cr. P. C. are silent, the civil court or the High Court,24 respectively, can pass orders in the interest of the public, for the simple reason that no legislation is capable of contemplating all possible circumstances that may arise in future litigation and consequently provide a procedure for them25. Thus, the C. P. C. and the Cr. P. C.

should not be read as to limit or otherwise affect the inherent power of the civil court and the High Court, respectively, to make such order as is necessary for the 'ends of justice', or to prevent abuse of the process of the court. 26 The Constitutional power conferred by Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India on this Court is not a replication of the inherent power vested with the civil court under the C. P. C. , and the High Court under the Cr. P. C. 13. Given the aforesaid background and judgments of this Court, the plenary and conscientious power conferred on this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, seemingly unhindered, is tempered or 24 For Section 151 C. P. C. see - Jet Ply Wood (P. ) Ltd. and Another v. Madhukar Nowlakha and Others, (2006) 3 SCC 699; and Bhagat Singh Bugga v. Dewan Jagbir Sawhney, 1941 SCC OnLine Cal 247. For Section 482 Cr. P. C. see - Popular Muthiah v.

State Represented By Inspector Of Police, (2006) 7 SCC 296; and Dinesh Dutt Joshi v. State of Rajasthan and Another, (2001) 8 SCC 570. 25 This statement on legislation is equally true, if not truer, for exercise of power by this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India. 26 Earlier judgments of different High Courts in Bhim Singh v. Kan Singh, 2003 SCC OnLine Raj 326; Nagen Kundu v. Emperor, 1934 SCC OnLine Cal 12; and Chhail Das v. State of Haryana, 1974 SCC OnLine P&H 246, relating to the Cr. P. C. , hold that the SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] bounded by restraint, which must be exercised based on fundamental considerations of general and specific public policy. Fundamental general conditions of public policy refer to the fundamental rights, secularism, federalism, and other basic features of the Constitution of India.

Specific public policy should be understood as some express pre-eminent prohibition in any substantive law, and not stipulations and requirements to a particular statutory scheme. It should not contravene a fundamental and non-derogable principle at the core of the statute. Even in the strictest sense27, it was never doubted or debated that this Court is empowered under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India to do 'complete justice' without being bound by the relevant provisions of procedure, if it is Cr. P. C. is deemed to be exhaustive when covered by a provision, but where a case arises which demands exercise of discretion, which is not within the provisions that the Cr. P. C. specifically provides, it would be reasonable to say that the court has power to make such order as the 'ends of justice' require. Every criminal court, including the court of a Metropolitan Magistrate, has this power, notwithstanding the specific power conferred under Section 482 of the Cr. P. C.

on the High Court. 27 Some jurists have opined that the judgments on the powers of this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India can be divided into three phases. The first phase till late 1980s is reflected in the judgments of Prem Chand Garg (supra) and A. R. Antulay (supra), which inter alia held that the directions should not be repugnant to and in violation of specific statutory provision and is limited to deviation from the rules of procedure. Further, the direction must not infringe the Fundamental Rights of the individual, which proposition has never been doubted and holds good in phase two and three. The second phase has its foundation in the ratio of the judgment of the 11-Judge Constitution Bench of this Court in I. C.

Golak Nath (supra), dealing with the doctrine of prospective overruling, which held that Articles 32, 141 and 142 are couched in such wide and elastic terms as to enable this Court to formulate legal doctrines to meet the ends of justice, the only limitation thereon being reason, restraint and injustice. In Delhi Judicial Service Association (supra), this Court observes that any prohibition or restriction contained in ordinary laws cannot act as a limitation on the constitutional power of this Court to issue any order or direction to do 'complete justice' in any 'cause' or 'matter'.

Finally, the moderated approach has its origin in Union Carbide Corporation (supra), which holds that this Court, in exercising powers under Article 142 and in assessing the needs of 'complete justice' of a 'cause' or 'matter', will take note of the express prohibitions in any substantive statutory provision based on some fundamental principles of public policy and regulate the exercise of its power and discretion accordingly. The judgment of Supreme Court Bar Association (supra), applies cautious and balanced approach, to hold that Article 142 being curative in nature and a constitutional power cannot be controlled by any statutory provision, but this power is not meant to be exercised ignoring the statutory provisions or directly in conflict with what is expressly provided in the statute.

At the same-time, it observes, that this Court will not ordinarily discard a statutory provision governing the subject, except perhaps to balance the equities between the conflicting claims of the parties to "iron out the creases" in a 'cause or matter' before it. [See - Rajat Pradhan, Ironing out the satisfied that the departure from the said procedure is necessary to do 'complete justice' between the parties.

28 Difference between procedural and substantive law in jurisprudential terms is contentious, albeit not necessary to be examined in depth in the present decision29, as in terms of the dictum enunciated by this Court in Union Carbide Corporation (supra) and Supreme Court Bar Association (supra), exercise of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India to do 'complete justice' in a 'cause or matter' is prohibited only when the exercise is to pass an order which is plainly and expressly barred by statutory provisions of substantive law based on fundamental considerations of general or specific public policy.

As explained in Supreme Court Bar Association (supra), the exercise of power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India being curative in nature, this Court would not ordinarily pass an order ignoring or disregarding a statutory provision governing the subject, except to balance the equities between conflicting claims of the litigating parties by ironing out creases in a 'cause or matter' before it. In this sense, this Court is not a forum of restricted jurisdiction when it decides and settles the dispute in a 'cause or matter'. While this Court cannot supplant the substantive law by building a new edifice where none existed earlier, or by ignoring express substantive statutory law provisions, it is a problem-solver in the nebulous areas.

As long as 'complete justice' required by the 'cause or matter' is achieved without violating fundamental principles of general or specific public policy, the exercise of the power and discretion under Article 142(1) is valid and as per the Constitution of India. This is the reason why the power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India is undefined and uncatalogued, so as to ensure elasticity to mould relief to suit a given situation. The fact that the power is conferred only on this Court is an assurance that it will be used with due restraint and circumspection. 30 Creases: Re-examining the Contours of Invoking Article 142(1) of the Constitution, (2011) 6 NSLR 1; Ninad Laud, Rationalising "Complete Justice" under Article 142, (2021) 1 SCC J-30; and Virendra Kumar, Notes and Comments: Judicial Legislation Under Article 142 of the Constitution: A Pragmatic Prompt for Proper Legislation by Parliament, 54 JILI (2012) 364].

As observed by us, the ratio as expounded in Union Carbide Corporation (supra) holds good and applies. 28 See - Prem Chand Garg (supra), paragraph 13. 29 However, this aspect has been, to some extent, examined in paragraphs 16 to 22 and 30 infra. 30 See - Delhi Development Authority v. Skipper Construction Co. (P) Ltd. And Another, (1996) 4 SCC 622. SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] Hindu marriage and divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. 14. Hindu marriage is traditionally considered to be a sacred union; a devout relationship that lasts till eternity. The Hindu Marriage Act provides the right to approach the court for dissolution of Hindu marriage by grant of a decree of divorce on the grounds mentioned in Section 13 thereof. The provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act have undergone considerable changes over a period of time. Section 13(1)(i-a) was enacted by the Marriage Laws (Amendment) Act, 197631 to provide for divorce in cases of cruelty.

Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act was introduced for providing divorce by mutual consent. Explanation was added to Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act, which relates to restitution of conjugal rights, stating that where a question of whether there has been reasonable excuse for withdrawal from society arises, the burden of proving reasonable excuse shall be on the person who has so withdrawn from the society. The effect of the said amendment, as noticed below, partially dilutes the rigours of sub-section (1)(a) to Section 23 of the Hindu Marriage Act, which stipulates that the court, while examining whether any ground for granting relief exists, should be satisfied that the petitioner is not, in any way, taking advantage of his/her own wrong or disability for the purpose of such relief. 15. Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act reads as under: "13-B. Divorce by mutual consent.

--(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act a petition for dissolution of marriage by a decree of divorce may be presented to the district court by both the parties to a marriage together, whether such marriage was solemnized before or after the commencement of the Marriage Laws (Amendment) Act, 1976 (68 of 1976), on the ground that they have been living separately for a period of one year or more, that they have not been able to live together and that they have mutually agreed that the marriage should be dissolved. (2) On the motion of both the parties made not earlier than six months after the date of the presentation of the petition referred to in sub-section (1) and not later than eighteen months after the said date, if the petition is not withdrawn in the meantime, the court shall, on being satisfied, after hearing the parties and after 31 Act 68 of 1976, w. e. f. 27. 05. 1976.

making such inquiry as it thinks fit, that a marriage has been solemnized and that the averments in the petition are true, pass a decree of divorce declaring the marriage to be dissolved with effect from the date of the decree. " 16. Section 13-B(1) of the Hindu Marriage Act states that a decree of divorce may be granted on a joint petition by the parties on fulfilment of the following conditions: (a) the parties have been living separately for a period of one year or more before presentation of the petition; (b) they have not been able to live together; and (c) they have mutually agreed that the marriage should be dissolved. Sub-section (2) to Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act provides that after the first motion is passed, the couple/parties would have to move to the court with the second motion, if the petition is not withdrawn in the meanwhile, after six months and not later than eighteen months of the first motion.

No action can be taken by the parties before the lapse of six months since the first motion. When the second motion is filed, the court is to make an inquiry, and on satisfaction that the averments made in the petition are true, a decree of divorce is granted. Clearly, the legislative intent behind incorporating sub-section (2) to Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act is that the couple/party must have time to introspect and consider the decision to separate before the second motion is moved. However, there are cases of exceptional hardship, where after some years of acrimonious litigation and prolonged suffering, the parties, with a view to have a fresh start, jointly pray to the court to dissolve the marriage, and seek waiver of the need to move the second motion.

On account of irreconcilable differences, allegations and aspersions made against each other and the family members, and in some cases multiple litigations including criminal cases, continuation of the marital relationship is an impossibility. The divorce is inevitable, and the cooling off period of six months, if at all, breeds misery and pain, without any gain and benefit. These are cases where the object and purpose behind sub-section (2) to Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act to safeguard against hurried and hasty decisions are not in issue and question, and the procedural requirement to move the court with the second motion after a gap of six months acts as an impediment in the settlement. At times, payment of SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] alimony and permanent lump-sum maintenance gets delayed, while anxiety and suspicion remain.

Here, the procedure should give way to a larger public and personal interest of the parties in ending the litigation(s), and the pain and sorrow effected, by passing a formal decree of divorce, as de-facto the marriage had ended much earlier. 17. Analysing the provisions of sub-section (2) to Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, this Court in Amardeep Singhv. Harveen Kaur32 went into the question of whether the cooling off period of six months is mandatory or discretionary. It was held that the cooling off period can be waived by the court where the proceedings have remained pending for long in the courts, these being cases of exceptional situations. It was held thus: "14. The learned Amicus Curiae submitted that waiting period enshrined under Section 13-B(2) of the Act is directory and can be waived by the court where proceedings are pending, in exceptional situations. This view is supported by the judgments of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in K. Omprakash v. K.

Nalini, Karnataka High Court in Roopa Reddy v. Prabhakar Reddy, Delhi High Court in Dhanjit Vadra v. Beena Vadra and Madhya Pradesh High Court in Dineshkumar Shukla v. Neeta. Contrary view has been taken by the Kerala High Court in M. Krishna Preetha v. Jayan Moorkkanatt. It was submitted that Section 13-B(1) relates to jurisdiction of the court and the petition is maintainable only if the parties are living separately for a period of one year or more and if they have not been able to live together and have agreed that the marriage be dissolved. Section 13-B(2) is procedural. He submitted that the discretion to waive the period is a guided discretion by consideration of interest of justice where there is no chance of reconciliation and parties were already separated for a longer period or contesting proceedings for a period longer than the period mentioned in Section 13-B(2). Thus, the court should consider the questions: (i) How long parties have been married?

(ii) How long litigation is pending? (iii) How long they have been staying apart? 32 (2017) 8 SCC 746. (iv) Are there any other proceedings between the parties? (v) Have the parties attended mediation/ conciliation? (vi) Have the parties arrived at genuine settlement which takes care of alimony, custody of child or any other pending issues between the parties? xx xx xx 19.

Applying the above to the present situation, we are of the view that where the court dealing with a matter is satisfied that a case is made out to waive the statutory period under Section 13-B(2), it can do so after considering the following: (i) the statutory period of six months specified in Section 13-B(2), in addition to the statutory period of one year under Section 13-B(1) of separation of parties is already over before the first motion itself; (ii) all efforts for mediation/conciliation including efforts in terms of Order 32-A Rule 3 CPC/Section 23(2) of the Act/Section 9 of the Family Courts Act to reunite the parties have failed and there is no likelihood of success in that direction by any further efforts; (iii) the parties have genuinely settled their differences including alimony, custody of child or any other pending issues between the parties; (iv) the waiting period will only prolong their agony.

The waiver application can be filed one week after the first motion giving reasons for the prayer for waiver. If the above conditions are satisfied, the waiver of the waiting period for the second motion will be in the discretion of the court concerned. " The time gap is meant to enable the parties to cogitate, analyse and take a deliberated decision. The object of the cooling off period is not to stretch the already disintegrated marriage, or to prolong the agony and misery of the parties when there are no chances of the marriage working out. Therefore, once every effort has been made to salvage the marriage and there remains no possibility of reunion and cohabitation, the court is not powerless in enabling the parties to avail a better option, which is to grant divorce. The waiver is not to be given on mere asking, SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] but on the court being satisfied beyond doubt that the marriage has shattered beyond repair.

The judgment in Amardeep Singh (supra) refers to several questions that the court would ask before passing an order one way or the other. However, this judgment proceeds on the interpretation of Section 13-B(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, and does not examine whether this Court can take on record a settlement agreement and grant divorce by mutual consent under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act in exercise of the power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India. 18. We must acknowledge that this Court has very often entertained applications/prayers for divorce by mutual consent under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, and passed a decree of divorce without relegating or asking the parties to move a joint motion before the trial court. In such cases, other pending proceedings between the parties, civil and criminal, are appropriately dealt with in terms of the settlement, and are decreed, quashed or closed accordingly.

This situation arises when proceedings are pending in this Court against an interim or a final order passed in a judicial proceeding, or on a transfer petition being filed before this Court. The parties may mutually agree to dissolve the marriage, albeit on many occasions they enter into settlements, often through mediation or on being prompted by the Court. In matrimonial matters, settlement, and not litigation, is the preferable mode of dispute resolution. 33 19. Exercise of jurisdiction under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India by this Court in such cases is clearly permissible to do 'complete justice' to a 'cause or matter'. We should accept that this Court can pass an order or decree which a family court, trial court or High Court can pass. As per Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, a decree passed or an order made by this Court is executable throughout the territory of India.

34 Power of this Court under Articles 136 and 142(1) of the Constitution of India will certainly embrace and enswathe this power to do 'complete justice', even when the main case/proceeding is pending before the family court, the trial court or another judicial forum. A question or issue of lack of subject-matter jurisdiction does not arise. Settlements in matrimonial matters invariably end multiple legal proceedings, including criminal proceedings in different courts and at diverse locations. Necessarily, in such cases, the parties have to move separate applications 33 See - Section 89 of the C. P. C. and Section 9 of the Family Courts Act, 1984. 34 See - the Supreme Court (Decrees and Orders) Enforcement Order, 1954 (C. O. 47). in multiple courts, including the jurisdictional High Court, for appropriate relief and closure, and disposal and/or dismissal of cases. This puts burden on the courts in the form of listing, paper work, compliance with formalities, verification etc.

Parallelly, parties have to bear the cost, appear before several forums/courts and the final orders get delayed causing anxiety and apprehension. In this sense, when this Court exercises the power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, it assists and aids the cause of justice. 20. However, there is a difference between existence of a power, and exercise of that power in a given case. Existence of power is generally a matter of law, whereas exercise of power is a mixed question of law and facts. Even when the power to pass a decree of divorce by mutual consent exists and can be exercised by this Court under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India, when and in which of the cases the power should be exercised to do 'complete justice' in a 'cause or matter' is an issue that has to be determined independent of existence of the power.

This discretion has to be exercised on the basis of the factual matrix in the particular case, evaluated on objective criteria and factors, without ignoring the objective of the statutory provisions. In Amit Kumar v. Suman Beniwal 35, this Court has held that reading of sub-sections (1) and (2) to Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act envisages a total waiting period/gap of one and a half years from the date of separation for the grant of decree of divorce by mutual consent. Once the condition for waiting period/gap of one and a half year from the date of separation is fulfilled, it can be safely said that the parties had time to ponder, reflect and take a conscious decision on whether they should really put the marriage to end for all times to come. This period of separation prevents impulsive and heedless dissolution of marriage, allows tempers to cool down, anger to dissipate, and gives the spouses time to forgive and forget.

At the same time, when there is complete separation over a long period and the parties have moved apart and have mutually agreed to separate, it would be incoherent to perpetuate the litigation by asking the parties to move the trial court. This Court in Amit Kumar (supra) has observed that, in addition to referring to the six factors/questions in Amardeep Singh (supra), this Court should ascertain whether the parties have freely, on their own accord, and without any coercion or pressure arrived at a genuine settlement which took care of the alimony, if any, maintenance and custody of children, etc. 35 (2021) SCC Online SC 1270. SHILPA SAILESH v. VARUN SREENIVASAN [SANJIV KHANNA, J. ] 21.

In our opinion, Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act does not impose any fetters on the powers of this Court to grant a decree of divorce by mutual consent on a joint application, when the substantive conditions of the Section are fulfilled and the Court, after referring to the factors mentioned above, is convinced and of the opinion that the decree of divorce should be granted. 22. The legislature and the courts treat matrimonial litigations as a special, if not a unique, category. Public policy underlying the legislations dealing with family and matrimonial matters is to encourage mutual settlement, as is clearly stated in Section 89 of the C. P. C. , Section 23(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, and Section 9 of the Family Courts Act, 1984.

Given that there are multiple legislations governing different aspects, even if the cause of dispute is identical or similar, most matrimonial disputes lead to a miscellany of cases including criminal cases, at times genuine, and on other occasions initiated because of indignation, hurt, anger or even misguided advice to teach a lesson. The multiplicity of litigations can restrict and block solutions, as a settlement has to be holistic and comprehensive, given that the objective and purpose is to enable the parties to cohabit and live together, or if they decide to part ways, to have a new beginning and settle down to live peacefully. Therefore, in B. S. Joshi and Others v. State of Haryana and Another36, this Court, notwithstanding that Section 320 of the Cr. P. C. does not permit compounding of an offence under Section 498A of the I. P. C. , has held that the High Court, exercising the power under Section 482 of the Cr. P. C.

, may quash prosecutions even in non-compoundable offences when the ends of justice so require. This view has been affirmed by the three judges' bench in Gian Singh v. State of Punjab and Another37and reiterated by another three judges' bench in Jitendra Raghuvanshi and Others v. Babita Raghuvanshi and Another38. The reason is that the courts must not encourage matrimonial litigation, and prolongation of such litigation is detrimental to both the parties who lose their young age in chasing multiple litigations. Thus, adopting a hyper-technical view can be counter-productive as pendency itself causes pain, suffering and harassment and, consequently, it is the duty of the court to ensure that matrimonial matters are amicably resolved, thereby bringing the agony, affliction, and torment to an end. In this regard, the courts only have to 36 (2003) 4 SCC 675. 37 (2012) 10 SCC 303. 38 (2013) 4 SCC 58.

enquire and ensure that the settlement between the parties is achieved without pressure, force, coercion, fraud, misrepresentation, or undue influence, and that the consent is indeed sought by free will and choice, and the autonomy of the parties is not compromised. The latter two decisions in Gian Singh (supra) and Jitendra Raghuvanshi and Others (supra) observe that the inherent power on the High Court under Section 482 of the Cr. P. C. is wide and can be used/wielded to quash criminal proceedings to secure the ends of justice and prevent abuse of the process of the court, albeit it has to be exercised sparingly, carefully, and with caution. This Court, in State of Madhya Pradesh v. Laxmi Narayan and Others39,has set out guidelines as to when the High Court may exercise jurisdiction under the inherent powers conferred under Section 482 of the Cr. P. C. for quashing non-compoundable offences in terms of Section 320 of the Cr. P. C.

In view of the above legal position and discussion, this Court, on the basis of settlement between the parties, while passing a decree of divorce by mutual consent, can set aside and quash other proceedings and orders, including criminal cases and First Information Report(s), provided the conditions, as specified in the aforementioned judgments, are satisfied. Grant of divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage in exercise of jurisdiction and power under Article 142(1) of the Constitution of India. 23. This brings us to the last question of whether this Court, in exercise of po