Australian court ruling set aside for Shikhar Dhawan, ex-wife ordered to repay Rs 5.7 crore

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Giving a big relief to Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan in his ongoing marital dispute with his ex-wife, the Family Court at Patiala House has refused to accept the orders of the Australian Family Court in India. While giving the verdict in favor of Dhawan in the case related to property dispute, the court made important comments on the validity of orders passed abroad. The Family Court has ordered to return Rs 5.7 crore to his ex-wife Ayesha Mukherjee.

Additionally, interest on this amount must be paid at nine percent annually, starting from the date Dhawan filed the case. The court stated that the money was obtained through extortion, fraud, and threats.

The family court clarified that property settlement orders passed by the Australian family court will not be enforceable in India and cannot be enforced against Dhawan.

Special Judge Devendra Kumar Garg delivered the verdict in the case. He voided all settlements between Shikhar Dhawan and his former wife, Ayesha Mukherjee. The special judge found that these agreements were obtained through threats, coercion, fraud, deception, and extortion.

The court directed the defendant to return the proceeds from the sale of the Australian properties. The court also restrained the defendant from enforcing any anti-suit injunction or other related orders issued by the Australian court against Dhawan.

Due to the defendant's absence, the court disposed of the case ex-parte and directed the preparation of a decree sheet. However, no order was passed regarding litigation costs.