The CJI NV Ramana led bench also comprising of Justice Hima Kohli was taken a back by the couple having matrimonial discord who informed the Supreme Court that there runs around 60 cases between them during span of a 31 years old marriage and 10 years of separation.
"The ingenuity of the lawyers has to be marked, 60 cases between a husband and a wife!", the Apex Court Bench remarked in dispair.
When Counsel for petitioner-father-in-law urged the Court to send the matter for Mediation, the CJI said:
"What to do. Some people like fighting, they want to always be in court. If they don't see court, they don't get sleep."
He contended that their stay in same home seems impossible after the he respondent accused her father- in- law of sexually harassing her. He told the Court that she will get accommodation in some nearby area afforded by her husband.
A reluctant Supreme Court referred the matter to Delhi High Court's Arbitration and Mediation Centre as it was initially of the view to issue Notice.
On concern of respondent-wife's Counsel regarding proceedings in High Court as she wished them to be continued, the Court noted:
"It appears you're very much interested in fighting. You can't have both.You can't have your cake and eat it too. Mediation is time bound"
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