D.Kantha Jothi v. S.Dhamodharan
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 01.11.2016
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.M. SUBRAMANIAM Tr.C.M.P(MD)No.144 of 2016 and CMP(MD).No.2540 of 2016 D.Kantha Jothi ... Petitioner Vs.
S.Dhamodharan ... Respondent Transfer Civil Miscellaneous Petition is filed under Section 24 of Civil Procedure Code to withdraw the case in HMOP.No.9 of 2016 on the file of the Family Court, Srivilliputhur and transfer the case to the Family Court at Chennai.
For Petitioner : Mr.K.Kannan For respondent :Mr.S.Alagusundar
ORDER
The Transfer Civil Miscellaneous Petition is filed to withdraw the case in HMOP.No.9 of 2016 on the file of the Family Court, Srivilliputhur and transfer the case to the Family Court at Chennai.
2. The marriage between the petitioner and the respondent was solemnized on 21.08.2008 at Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar District, as per Hindu Rites and Customs.
3.The contention of the petitioner is that the respondent is working in Indian Army and addicted to alcohol, with the influence of alcohol, he used to harass the petitioner. Further, the respondent was admitted as an inpatient for more than 40 days in Military Hospital at Chandigarh for deaddiction treatment. Due to the continuous harassment, the petitioner was forced to return back to Chennai and joined with her parents. Now, she is residing with her parents at Pallavaram in Chennai. 4.Further, the petitioner states that her child is studying at Holy Prince Matric Higher Secondary School, Madipakkam, Chennai. Whileso, she received a notice in H.M.O.P.No.9 of 2016, filed by the respondent before the Family Court, Srivilliputhur for divorce. 5.
The contention of the petitioner is that now, she is living with the support of her parents along with the child, studying UKG. Therefore, she is not in a position to spend and travel to Srivilliputhur from Chennai to defend the case filed by the respondent. The distance between Chennai and Srivilliputhur is 540 kms and the petitioner is not having any independent income on her own.
6.The learned counsel appearing for the respondent opposed the petition by stating that the petitioner has not appeared once before the
Family Court, Srivilliputhur, in spite of the fact that she is capable to appear. He further contended that the respondent is now working at Thirunelveli and it is convenient for him to attend the Family Court at Srivilliputhur. Further, the respondent's counsel requested that in the event of allowing the transfer petition, the case may be transferred to the Sub-Court at Thambaram, since the petitioner is residing in Pallavaram, which is nearer to Thambaram.
7.Considering the rival contentions raised by both sides, this Court is of the opinion that the contention of the respondent cannot be considered at this point of time, because he is now working in Tirunelveli and appearing before the Court at Srivilliputhur makes less difference, since he is not residing either of the place. 8.Considering the arguments and the counter arguments of the respective counsels, this Court is of the opinion that the principles regarding transfer petitions, more specifically in the matters of matrimonial cases in respect of women, are well settled through the decisions 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 of the Hon'ble Supreme Court:- ''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 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.'' 8.In view of the above, this Court is of the view that the case of the petitioner filed in Tr.C.M.P.(MD).No.144 of 2016 is ordered. H.M.O.P.No.
9 of 2016, pending before the Family Court, Srivilliputhur is ordered to be transferred to the Sub-Court, Thambaram, Kancheepuram District forthwith. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.
1. The Judge, Family Court, Srivilliputhur
2. The Subordinate Judge, Sub Court, Thambaram 1CC TO MR. P. SANTHOSH KUMAR, ADVOCATE SR: 64818 1CC TO MR. S. ALAGUSUNDARAM, ADVOCATE SR: 64599 JAM SK SKN SAR 3 Tr.C.M.P(MD)No.144 of 2016 and CMP(MD).No.2540 of 2016 3P 5C 15 11 2016