The Bombay High Court has granted cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his estranged wife, Dhanashree Verma, a waiver from the mandatory six-month cooling-off period required after filing for divorce. The court has directed the family court to finalize their divorce plea by March 20, acknowledging Chahal’s commitment to the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which starts on March 22.
Chahal and Verma filed for divorce in a Mumbai family court on February 5, seeking to dissolve their marriage through mutual consent. As per the Hindu Marriage Act, a mandatory six-month cooling-off period is imposed to allow couples time for reconciliation before the divorce is granted. However, the couple jointly petitioned for this period to be waived, citing their mutual agreement to separate and Chahal’s professional obligations.
On February 20, the family court declined their request to waive the cooling-off period, prompting Chahal and Verma to appeal the decision in the Bombay High Court. Justice Madhav Jamdar, who presided over the case, ruled in favor of the couple on Wednesday, allowing their plea for an expedited divorce process.
The court took into account Chahal’s tight schedule due to his participation in the IPL 2024 season, where he is set to play for Punjab Kings. Given that Chahal would not be available post-March 21 due to his professional commitments, Justice Jamdar instructed the family court to make a decision on the divorce plea by March 20.
Legal experts note that waiving the cooling-off period is not common but can be granted in exceptional cases where both parties mutually agree and demonstrate that reconciliation is not possible. In this instance, Chahal and Verma presented their case effectively, leading to the court’s decision in their favor.
Chahal, a renowned leg-spinner, has been an integral part of the Indian cricket team and various IPL franchises over the years. His focus will now shift to preparing for the IPL season, where his performance will be crucial for Punjab Kings.
The Bombay High Court’s ruling ensures that both parties can move forward with their lives without unnecessary delays. With the legal proceedings nearing completion, Chahal can now fully concentrate on his cricketing commitments, while Verma can pursue her professional and personal endeavors.
