Pune : 18 Couples Reunite at National Lok Adalat, Choosing Second Chances

In a heartening turn of events, ”18 couples found the courage to mend their relationships at the National Lok Adalat in Pune.” Among them was a couple, married in 2018, who had been living apart for six years due to differences. The husband, a temple priest, and his homemaker wife faced challenges when she expressed her desire for independence, leading to their separation.

The husband wished for his wife to focus on their ailing four-year-old daughter, while she sought personal and professional fulfilment. Tensions escalated, resulting in the wife leaving home to reside with her parents. The situation worsened when the husband faced abuse during a visit to his daughter and was later accused of domestic violence.

Seeking divorce and custody of their daughter, the husband initiated legal proceedings. With the intervention of counsellor Vaishali Chandane, president of the Family Court Lawyers’ Association, the couple reconciled, realizing the impact on their child’s well-being.

Chandane emphasized, “Minor problems can escalate due to a lack of communication. In this case, we helped them understand that their actions affected their child’s health. The couple decided to work together for the sake of their daughter.”

Sonal Patil, secretary of the District Legal Service Authority, Pune, revealed that out of 216 family court cases, 16 ended in mutual consent divorce, while 18 couples opted for reconciliation during the Lok Adalat. Patil urged citizens to use the ‘Let’s Talk’ initiative to prevent family court disputes, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues early.

Lawyer Sunita Jangam highlighted common issues leading to divorce, such as late working hours, lack of time for partners, and career-related conflicts. The National Lok Adalat not only settles disputes but focuses on rebuilding bridges and nurturing relationships for a stronger future, creating an avenue for couples to communicate and resolve differences amicably.