Omar Abdullah unable to prove Cruelty by wife, Divorce denied says Delhi High Court
New Delhi December 13: WD Wattan
Omar Abdullah, a National Conference leader, sought a divorce from his wife, Payal, alleging cruelty and desertion. The Delhi High Court, however, rejected these claims, denying him a divorce under the Special Marriage Act. The court found no merit in Abdullah’s appeal and upheld the family court’s 2016 decision.
One of Abdullah’s accusations was that Payal didn’t support his political career. The high court stated this allegation wasn’t substantiated. It also dismissed his claim that Payal used their children for her own motives, as there was no evidence supporting this.
The court noted that Abdullah had access to his children, and allegations of tutoring them were not established. The judges concluded that Abdullah failed to prove cruelty, whether physical or mental, justifying divorce.
Abdullah’s plea included a claim that Payal refused to move to Kashmir in 2002, affecting his visits to their children. The court sided with Payal, stating the move was Abdullah’s decision due to security reasons, not hers.
The family court had earlier ruled in 2016 that Abdullah couldn’t prove claims of cruelty or desertion, leading to the denial of his plea for divorce. The couple’s two sons are staying with Payal.
In August of the same year, the Delhi High Court directed Abdullah to pay monthly maintenance to Payal and education expenses for their sons, emphasizing his financial capacity to provide for them.
