Playing a mediator and lessening the burden of both — the parties and the judiciary — the Bombay high court on Monday suggested an amicable solution between former airhostess Reshma Kaur, also known in the city as “ghodewali” in the 90s and her husband, who had divorced her in 1982 by triple talaq. Their lawyers, appearing on the duo’s behalf, agreed to solve the issue under the supervision of a mediator from the high court.
Justice Sadhanan S. Jadhav was hearing an application filed by Ms Kaur that demanded enhancement of the quantum of maintenance under Section 127 of the CrPC. After hearing the arguments from both lawyers — advocate Sagar Rane appearing for Ms Kaur and advocate Ranvir Shekhawat for her husband Akhtar Athanikar — Justice Jadhav suggested, “Instead of harassing each other, why don’t you both settle the matter? Why this ego?…This is not the age to quarrel over such issues. Are you guys willing to go for mediation and settle the issue?”
To this Mr Shekhawat showed willingness, but Mr Rane sought time for instructions from Ms Kaur, who currently resides in Bengaluru. Later, in the afternoon, both parties agreed on an amicable settlement. Justice Jadhav then told both parties that, with their consent, they could appoint a mediator from court’s Legal Aid Committee.
Mr Athanikar, who retired as the deputy SP of Ratnagiri, had divorced Ms Kaur in 1982 by triple talaq. After a small causes court granted her maintenance charges of `1,000 and a family court enhanced it to an additional `1,000 in 2012. She challenged the family court order
and claimed for higher maintenance and filed an application in HC this year.
Ms Kaur, in the 80s and 90s, owned horses and would “park” them in her building compound. She also started the Chhatrapati Horse Riding Educational Academy 22 years ago.