In a significant development in the divorce proceedings between Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife Dhanashree Verma, the Bombay High Court has granted the couple's request to waive the mandatory six-month cooling-off period typically required after filing for divorce.
This decision allows the family court to fast-track the divorce proceedings, ensuring a resolution by March 20, ahead of Chahal’s commitments with the Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, which kicks off on March 22.
The legal update emerged from a ruling by a bench led by Justice Madhav Jamdar, who overturned an earlier decision from the Family Court.
The initial ruling had denied the couple’s application to bypass the cooling period mandated under the Hindu Marriage Act. The couple, who wed in December 2020 and have been separated since June 2022, filed for divorce by mutual consent in February 2025, alongside a request to expedite the process.
Per Section 13B(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, a cooling-off period is intended to allow couples time for potential reconciliation.
However, the court found this provision unnecessary given Chahal and Dhanashree's prolonged separation of over two years, deeming the prerequisite fulfilled in spirit.
Complications arose when the Family Court initially refused to waive the cooling period due to partial compliance with financial terms agreed upon by the couple.
According to the terms, Chahal was to provide Dhanashree a permanent alimony totaling Rs 4.75 crore; however, only Rs 2.37 crore had been transferred at that point. This non-compliance led to the initial rejection of the waiver request.
Despite these setbacks, the Bombay High Court acknowledged the considerable duration spent apart by Chahal and Dhanashree, and their mutual consent for divorce, which inclined the court’s decision towards allowing the waiver.
Consequently, the Family Court has been directed to reach a decision on the divorce petition promptly, ensuring no interference with Chahal’s participation in the IPL season.
As the cricket season approaches, this legal resolution provides a timely relief for Chahal, allowing him to focus on his professional commitments with the Punjab Kings.