The Supreme Court on Monday took a significant step in the prolonged legal battle between Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and his estranged wife Payal, by issuing a notice to her regarding his divorce petition. This move comes after the Delhi High Court previously rejected Omar’s plea for a divorce.
Presiding over the case, Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanudin Amanullah noted that the couple has been living apart for 15 years and characterized the union as “a dead marriage.” Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal represented the National Conference leader in court.
Omar and Payal’s relationship began while both were employed at The Oberoi, New Delhi, leading to their marriage in 1994. The couple has two sons, Zahir and Zamir. Omar publicly announced his intention to separate from Payal in 2011, thereby ending their 17-year-long marriage.
In a recent turn of events, the Delhi High Court in December last year dismissed Omar Abdullah’s appeal for divorce, deeming it devoid of merit. The judgment upheld a 2016 family court ruling that had also denied the divorce request. The High Court’s decision aligned with the family court’s findings, which did not substantiate the allegations of cruelty Omar cited as grounds for the divorce.
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Additionally, the High Court imposed financial obligations on Omar, directing him to pay Rs 1.5 lakh per month in maintenance to Payal and Rs 60,000 monthly for the educational expenses of his son.
