Constitution of India — Article 142 — Dissolution of marriage — Irretrievable breakdown — Multiplicity of vexatious proceedings — Where parties were embroiled in prolonged matrimonial litigation, respondent-husband indulged in filing numerous vindictive and oppressive proceedings including against wife, her relatives and advocates, and wilfully defaulted in payment of maintenance, such conduct coupled with long separation establishes that marriage is dead and beyond repair — In exercise of powers under Article 142, Supreme Court dissolved marriage, quashed all pending civil and criminal proceedings inter se parties and their relatives, granted custody of children to wife with visitation rights to husband, and awarded consolidated permanent alimony of Rs.5 crores to secure future of wife and children — Appeal disposed of with comprehensive directions to give complete quietus to dispute. (Paras 53 to 62)

 APEX COURT HELD THAT 

Constitution of India — Article 142 — Dissolution of marriage — Irretrievable breakdown — Multiplicity of vexatious proceedings — Where parties were embroiled in prolonged matrimonial litigation, respondent-husband indulged in filing numerous vindictive and oppressive proceedings including against wife, her relatives and advocates, and wilfully defaulted in payment of maintenance, such conduct coupled with long separation establishes that marriage is dead and beyond repair — In exercise of powers under Article 142, Supreme Court dissolved marriage, quashed all pending civil and criminal proceedings inter se parties and their relatives, granted custody of children to wife with visitation rights to husband, and awarded consolidated permanent alimony of Rs.5 crores to secure future of wife and children — Appeal disposed of with comprehensive directions to give complete quietus to dispute.
(Paras 53 to 62)