R.P.Nandhini v. R.Ranganathan
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 07.01.2021
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM Tr.C.M.P.No.503 of 2020 and C.M.P.No.12763 of 2020 R.P.Nandhini ..
Petitioner vs.
R.Ranganathan .. Respondent PRAYER : Transfer CMP is filed under Section 24(1) of the Civil Procedure Code to withdraw the petition in H.M.O.P.No.303 of 2020 on the file of the learned V Additional Principal Judge, Chennai to be transferred to the learned Principal Sub-ordinate Judge, Cheyyar.
For Petitioner : No-appearance For Respondent : No Appearance
O R D E R
The petition for transfer is filed to transfer H.M.O.P.No.303 of 2020 from V Additional Principal Judge, Chennai to the Principal Sub-ordinate Judge, Cheyyar.
2. The marriage between the petitioner and the respondent was solemnized on 23.03.2008 as per Hindu Rites and Customs. The matrimonial house was set up at the respondent's residence at Vandavasi. However, the matrimonial life between the petitioner and the respondent was not harmonious. The petitioner states that the respondent never treated her as his wife.
3.Various allegations are raised in the petition and the said allegations are to be adjudicated before the concerned Court. From and out of the wedlock between the petitioner and the respondent, a male child was born on 26.07.2012 at
Kancheepuram and another male child was born on 08.07.2015. The family members of the respondent stopped providing food to the petitioner. On account of continuous harassment, she was forced to leave the matrimonial home. The petitioner filed a maintenance case in M.C.No.4 of 2019 under Section 125 (1A)(a) (b) of Cr.P.C and a Domestic Violance case in D.V.C.No.8 of 2019 under Sections 18, 19, 20, 22, 23 (2) of Domestic Violance Act, 2005. This apart, the petitioner filed a petition for restitution of conjugal rights before the Sub-Court, Cheyyar. Thereafter, the respondent filed a petition for divorce in H.M.O.P.No.303 of 2020 before the V Additional Principal Judge, Family Court, Chennai. Due to the family circumstances and the petitioner has taken care of her two children, the petitioner is unable to contest the case at Chennai. The parents of the petitioner are aged and they are financially weak. Therefore, she is not in a position to travel to Chennai and contest the divorce case filed by the respondent.
4. The principles regarding transfer petitions, more specifically in the matters of matrimonial cases are well settled through the decisions 3 of the High Court of Madras, in the following cases:- (i) The Hon'ble Division Bench of the High Court of Madras in W.A.No.1181 of 2009, dated 09.07.2010 has held as follows:- ''21.
The domicile or citizenship of the opposite party is immaterial in a case like this. In case the marriage was solemnized under Hindu Law marital relationship is governed by the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act.
Therefore, Section 19 has to be given a purposeful interpretation. It is the residence of the wife, which determines the question of jurisdiction, in case the proceeding was initiated at the instance of the wife.
22. While considering a provision like Section 19 (iii-a) of the Hindu Marriage Act, the objects and reasons which prompted the parliament to incorporate such a provision has also to be taken note of. Sub Clause (iii-a) was inserted in Section 19 with a specific purpose. Experience is the best teacher.
The Government found the difficulties faced by women in the matter of initiation of matrimonial proceedings. The report submitted by the Law Commission as well as National Commission for Women, underlying the need for such amendment so as
to enable the women to approach the nearest jurisdictional court to redress their matrimonial grievances, were also taken note of by the Government. Therefore such a beneficial provision meant for the women of our Country should be given a meaningful interpretation by Courts.''
(ii) In yet another case in TR.CMP.Nos.138 and 139 of 2006, dated 30.08.2006, the High Court of Madras has considered the following judgments:- ''16.In AIR 2000 SC 3512 (1) (Mona Aresh Goel vs. Aresh Satya Goel), when the wife pleaded that she was unable to bear the traveling expenses and even to travel alone and stay at Bombay, the Supreme Court ordered transfer of proceedings.
In 2000 (10) SCC 304, the Honourable Supreme Court has held that where the petitioner's wife has pleaded lack of money, the same has to be considered.
In 2000 (9) SCC 355, the wife has filed a petition to transfer the proceedings initiated by the husband for divorce, at Bombay. The place of residence of the wife was at Jaipur, Rajasthan. In that case, the petitioner is having a small child and that she pleaded difficulty in going all the way from Jaipur to Bombay to contest the proceedings from time to time. Considering the distance and the difficulties faced by the wife, the Supreme Court has allowed the transfer petition.
In a decision reported in 2005 (12) SCC 395, the wife has sought for transfer of matrimonial proceedings and a divorce petition has been filed by the respondent's husband at Baikunthpur to be transferred to Allahabad, where the petitioner's wife was residing, on the ground that it would be difficult for her to undertake such long distance journey, particularly in circumstances, in which she finds that the proceedings under 5 Section 125 Cr.P.C. was already pending before the Family Court, Allahabad. Considering the difficulties faced by the wife and also the long distance journey, the Honourable Supreme Court was pleased to order transfer of the proceedings to Allahabad.
(iii) In a decision made in TR.CMP(MD)No.108 of 2010, dated 03.03.2011, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, has observed as below:- ''18.It is true that section 19 of the Hindu Marriage Act, has been amended by insertion of proviso of (iii)(a) to section 19. Of Course, this amended section 19(iii)(a) gives special preference to the wife to file a petition or defending the case of the husband before the Court within whose jurisdiction she resides. The intention of the legislator is to safe-guard the interest and rights of the women, who are being subjected to harassment and cruelty. But this special preference conferred under section 19 (iii)(a) of the Hindu Marriage Act shall not be used to wreck vengeance on the husband. There must be a justifiable cause to select the jurisdiction of the Court where she resides.''
5. In view of the facts and circumstances, the H.M.O.P.No.303 of 2020 pending on the file of the learned V Additional Principal Judge, Chennai stands transferred to the learned Principal Sub-ordinate Judge, Cheyyar.
6. Accordingly, this Transfer Civil Miscellaneous Petition No.503 of 2020 stands allowed and H.M.O.P.No.303 of 2020 pending on the file of the learned V Additional Principal Judge, Chennai is directed to be transferred to the learned Principal Sub-ordinate Judge, Cheyyar. However, there shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
Sd/- Assistant Registrar(CCC) //True Copy// Sub Assistant Registrar Ssb To 1.The Judge, V Additional Principal Judge, Chennai.
2.The Judge, Principal Sub-ordinate Judge, Cheyyar.
+3cc to Mr.G. SELVAM, Advocate, S.R.No.1268 SSI(CO) SM/12/02/2021 Tr.CMP No.503 of 2020