B.Priyadarshini v. S. Chandrakumar

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 24.01.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN B.Priyadarshini : Petitioner versus S.Chandrakumar : Respondent Prayer: Petition filed under Section 24 of the Code of Civil Procedure to withdraw the case pending in HMOP.No.341 of 2024 on the file of the Family Court, Tiruppur and transfer the same to the Sub Court, Bhavani. For Petitioner : Mr.P.M.Duraiswamy For Respondent : No appearance

ORDER

This transfer petition is at the instance of the wife. She seeks withdrawal of H.M.O.P.No.341 of 2024 from the file of the Family Court,

Tiruppur and transfer the same to the file of the Sub Judge in Bhavani.

2. I heard the learned counsel for the petitioner. I have gone through the affidavit.

3. Though notice has been served on the respondent and his name is printed in the cause list, there is no representation for him either in person or through counsel. Since the service has been completed, I took up the transfer petition for disposal.

4. The petitioner married the respondent on 18.06.2015. From the wedlock, they were blessed with a child. Due to disputes and differences, the parties have separated. The respondent/husband initiated proceedings in H.M.O.P.No.26 of 2017 for divorce before the learned Subordinate Judge at Tiruppur and subsequently, transferred to the file of the Family Court at Tiruppur on administrative grounds and renumbered as HMOP.No.341 of 2024. Pleading that she is residing in Erode and unable to travel from Erode to Tiruppur, the wife has moved this transfer petition.

5. The Parliament, while amending the Hindu Marriage Act, has incorporated Section 19(iii), permitting a wife to initiate a proceeding in a place where she is residing. This is an indication to the Court that the convenience of the wife has to be given precedence by the Court. In line with this Parliamentary amendment, this Court and the Supreme Court have consistently held in matters of transfer, the convenience of the wife should be given a superior consideration than that of the husband. As the distance between Erode and Tiruppur is considerable and since it will be difficult for the wife to leave the child behind and travel to attend the Court, I am inclined to accept the transfer.

6. Accordingly, H.M.O.P.No.341 of 2024 is withdrawn from the file of the Family Court at Tiruppur and is transferred to the file of the Sub Court at Bhavani.

7.With the above observations, the Transfer Petition is ordered. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 24.01.2025 nl

Index : Yes/No Speaking Order/Non speaking order : Yes/No

V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN, J.

nl To 1.The Family Judge, Family Court, Tiruppur 2.The Subordinate Judge, Sub Court, Bhavani 24.01.2025