PURVI MUKESH GADA Vs. MUKESH POPATLAL GADA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) At the threshold we must mention that this case was reserved on December 21, 2024. After the Christmas break, due to a change in roster, this Bench did not sit in the same combination. Further, the exigencies of work delayed pronouncing the judgement. Due to the aforesaid delay, and the efflux of time, the matter was kept for directions afresh on November 6, 2025. While the written submissions of the parties were comprehensive, the parties were asked if they wished to make further submissions considering the time gone by. The parties indicated that they have no further submissions to make, considering that they had filed detailed written submissions, and submitted that they have no objection to the judgement bring pronounced. Accordingly, we have proceeded to pronounce judgement today.

(2.) Purvi Gada ("Purvi") and Mukesh Popatlal Gada ("Mukesh") got married on November 16, 1997. Purvi, originally from Mumbai, moved to Pune to live with Mukesh and his family upon marriage. The marriage lasted 16 years, with the couple co-habiting in their matrimonial home. Since 2013, they have lived separately. Mukesh filed a petition for divorce in 2015, which was allowed by the Learned Family Court, Pune, granting him a divorce on February 24, 2023 ("Impugned Judgement") on the ground of cruelty, with the permanent alimony fixed at Rs.50,000.00 per month.

(3.) During the course of the divorce proceedings, payment of interim maintenance had been directed, also at Rs.50,000.00 per month. It is a matter of record that Mukesh has regularly been in arrears on payment of the interim maintenance from time to time. Multiple applications have been filed in the journey of this litigation, where the frequent piling up of arrears is discernible.