Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 01-10-2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Deepak Kumar Behera (petitioner) vs Suchismita Behera (respondent).
- Origin: Petition for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No.10446/2025 challenging the High Court of Orissa order dated 10-09-2024 which refused divorce on the ground that the appellant had not proved desertion.
- Marriage took place in 2012; appellant claims the marriage lasted six months and the respondent deserted him, while the respondent asserts they lived together for three years and is willing to resume the relationship.
- No children from the marriage.
- Appellant is employed as a Manager (Mining) with Coal India Limited and cites financial strain due to the recent death of his father and his bedridden mother.
- The Court heard counsel for both parties, an amicus curiae for the respondent, and conducted separate interactions, concluding there is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage despite the respondent's willingness to reconcile.
Final Outcome
- The Court orders the appellant to pay a lump‑sum alimony of Rs.25 lakhs to the respondent.
- The appellant is granted three months to deposit the amount before the Registry of the Court.
- Upon receipt of the payment, the Court will invoke Article 142 of the Constitution of India to dissolve the marriage on the ground of irretrievable breakdown.
- A further hearing is scheduled for 05.01.2027 at 3:30 p.m. in the Committee Room as part‑heard.
Topics: Divorce, Alimony, Family Law