Marriage Is Togetherness, Not Independence: Supreme Court Tells Estranged Couple

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Marriage Is Togetherness, Not Independence: Supreme Court Tells Estranged Couple

The Supreme Court has observed that marriage cannot coexist with absolute independence, stressing that the institution is built on togetherness and interdependence. A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan remarked that if one wishes to remain fully independent, they should not enter matrimony, describing marriage as the “coming together of two souls.” The observation came during the hearing of a dispute between an estranged couple, where the wife stated she did not want to be dependent on her husband.

The case involved two minor children, with the mother expressing difficulty in returning to Singapore where her husband resides. The court, however, underlined that emotional and practical interdependence forms the foundation of marriage, urging the couple to focus on their children’s well-being rather than individual differences. The bench emphasized that children should not suffer the fallout of parental discord and advised the couple to work towards reconciliation.

Alongside its observations, the court passed interim directions, including allowing the husband to celebrate his younger son’s birthday with both children and granting him weekend custody through August. It also ordered the husband to deposit ₹5 lakh as interim maintenance for the wife and children, without linking it to any conditions. The husband expressed his willingness to suspend divorce proceedings if reconciliation was possible. The matter will now be heard on September 16, 2025.