Thane court grants Canada-based couple divorce via video conferencing

THANE: A Thane court granted divorce by mutual consent to a Canada-based couple by conducting the proceedings via video conferencing for the overseas residents. The parties voluntarily moved the petition, and it was "just and proper" to dissolve the marriage, District Judge R S Bhakare said in the order on Monday.

Consequently, the marriage was dissolved by a decree of divorce, ending a legal process that spanned more than seven months.

The petitioners, a 31-year-old service professional and a 24-year-old woman, both living in different parts of Ontario, got married on March 9, 2022, in the Mira Road area. Following differences, they began living separately from Dec 10, 2023.

The petition for divorce was filed on June 18, 2025, under the Special Marriage Act. Given their current residence outside India, the proceedings were initiated through a power of attorney. The couple remained firm on their decision to part ways following the mandatory 6-month waiting period, and appeared before the court virtually on Monday to confirm their stance.

Judge Bhakare, after reviewing the evidence provided via affidavits and the virtual testimony, granted divorce to them.

"Despite being mediated by the trained mediator, the petitioners are not interested to cohabit with each other... The petitioners have mutually resolved the disputes regarding maintenance and alimony for the past, present and future. All the issues between the petitioners have been settled," the court said.