Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 23: The Supreme Court has directed a woman IPS officer to issue an unconditional public apology to her former husband and in-laws for the "physical and mental agony" caused by filing multiple false criminal cases during a marital dispute.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih also annulled the marriage, noting that the couple had been living separately since 2018. While the custody of their daughter was granted to the mother, the court allowed the father and his family visitation rights.

The apex court observed that the husband had spent 109 days in jail and his father 103 days due to false accusations. "What they have suffered cannot be compensated in any way," the court noted.

The court ordered that the officer and her parents must publish an unconditional apology in both a leading English and Hindi national daily. The apology must also be shared on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms within three days.

However, the court clarified that the apology shall not be treated as an admission of liability and will not affect the legal rights or obligations of the parties involved.

Further, the court restrained the officer from misusing her official position or involving her colleagues in any future action against her former husband and his family. It also cautioned the husband not to exploit the apology in any form.

The couple had earlier filed multiple cases against each other, along with third-party complaints and separate legal proceedings seeking divorce and maintenance. Both had approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the cases to their respective jurisdictions.