Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 14: In a heartwarming moment at the National Lok Adalat held in Udupi, three couples who had been separated for years were reunited, thanks to the mediation efforts of the Family Court.
The most notable reunion involved Raghavendra Acharya and Malathi, who had been separated for six years. The couple, married in 2018, had faced marital differences that led Malathi to return to her parental home shortly after the wedding. Despite having a son together, Malathi refused to return to her marital home.
Seeking reconciliation, Raghavendra filed a petition in the Soraba Senior Civil Judge Court, which ordered Malathi to return. When she failed to comply, Raghavendra filed for divorce. Malathi contested the petition, and the Karnataka High Court approved her request to transfer the case to the Udupi Family Court. Both parties then appeared before the Family Court for mediation.
During the National Lok Adalat on December 14, legal representatives for both sides emphasised the possibility of an amicable resolution and urged the court to facilitate a compromise. Under the guidance of the Family Court judge, the couple agreed to reconcile and live together as husband and wife.
The reconciliation was marked by an exchange of garlands, and celebrations followed with the distribution of sweets. The couple, now reunited, is beginning a new chapter together with their child.
In a separate case, Gopal Shetty and Ashalatha Shetty, who had been separated for 13 years due to minor disputes after their marriage in 2011, were also reunited at the Lok Adalat. The panel, led by judge Kiran S Gangannavar, stressed the importance of marital values and successfully persuaded the couple to reconcile. Their reunion was also solemnised with an exchange of garlands and the sharing of sweets.
Another reunion took place between Karnananda and Keerthakumari, who had been separated since 2021.
In an era where marital relationships often falter due to minor disagreements, the efforts of the Udupi Family Court and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) highlight the significance of mediation in resolving family disputes. These initiatives not only restore broken families but also promote societal harmony, according to H Anand Madivala, advocate for the petitioner.
“The Udupi Family Court's efforts in reuniting separated couples set an example of how mediation can resolve family disputes amicably," said Kiran S Gangannavar, principal district and sessions judge.
“The DLSA is committed to offering free guidance and counselling to help couples navigate marital challenges and live harmoniously. With collective efforts from lawyers and mediators, many family disputes can be resolved amicably, bringing separated families together,” added P R Yogesh, senior civil judge and DLSA secretary.