Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has urged a warring couple to attempt an amicable resolution of their marital disputes before it decides on the wife’s petition seeking termination of her over 20-week pregnancy due to ongoing issues in their marriage.
A division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Pravin Patil, on January 27, noted that the differences between the couple were not severe and could be resolved through mutual understanding, especially considering that the woman was pregnant with their first child.
To facilitate reconciliation, the court directed the couple to meet in the Pune magistrate court premises for three days during the week and attempt to resolve their issues. It also asked their advocates to encourage them to sort out their problems, emphasizing that creating a “congenial atmosphere” was crucial for the child’s well-being. If necessary, the bench suggested involving a trained mediator to help rebuild trust between the couple for the sake of their unborn child.
The woman had approached the high court seeking permission to terminate her pregnancy, citing matrimonial discord. In her plea, she alleged that her husband had repeatedly taunted her, stating that he never wanted to marry her and was in love with another woman. She also claimed that he refused to accept the unborn child as his and had shown no willingness to take responsibility.
The couple had married in May 2023, but their relationship soon soured, leading the wife to file a domestic violence case in a Pune magistrate’s court. After the woman’s petition was filed, the high court directed the husband to submit an affidavit.
In response, the man denied the allegations and stated that while there were differences between them, he had never questioned the paternity of the child. He expressed his willingness to care for both his wife and their baby.
The husband further claimed that he and his parents had made several attempts to reconcile with his wife, but she remained uncooperative. He asserted that he was not questioning her character and that he trusted her completely.
On Monday, after interacting with both parties, the court observed that they had the maturity to understand each other and resolve their issues. The woman stated that if her husband was willing to take good care of both her and the child, she would have no reason to seek a medical termination of the pregnancy.
The court noted that aside from minor misunderstandings—such as complaints that the wife spent extended periods with her parents and that the husband often sided with his own parents—there were no major disputes between them. The HC has kept the matter for hearing on February 6.
