The Supreme Court agrees to dissolve the marriage of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife, Payal Abdullah, following a mutual-consent settlement. During a hearing before a bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the court that the couple had filed a joint application under Article 142 of the Constitution seeking dissolution. The court was informed that the joint divorce petition was filed on July 22 and that both parties have decided to “move on,” requesting the bench to record their agreement. The submissions also state that the parties will withdraw all cases filed against each other. Justice Narasimha indicated that the court would pass an order in line with the parties’ decision and dispose of the matter accordingly.
The case follows a prolonged legal dispute. Omar and Payal Abdullah married on September 1, 1994, and have lived separately since 2009. Omar initially sought divorce on grounds of cruelty and desertion. A Family Court rejected his plea in August 2016, and the Delhi High Court upheld that decision in December 2023. The matter was later referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre, leading to the settlement now placed before the court.
