Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan secured a significant legal victory as a Delhi Family Court directed his estranged ex-wife, Aesha Mukherjee, to return Rs 5.72 crore.
The court ruled that Dhawan had signed property settlement documents under threats, extortion, and trickery, making them null and void.
Judge Devender Kumar Garg of Patiala House Court emphasised that Dhawan’s ex-wife must repay the amount, along with 9 per cent annual interest from the time Dhawan filed the suit. The court also restrained her from enforcing the anti-suit injunction granted earlier by an Australian court.
The dispute originated from property settlement orders issued in Australia, where Dhawan’s ex-wife received AU$894,397 from the sale of an Australian property. The Australian court had divided the couple’s global asset pool, awarding her additional assets and payments. Dhawan challenged those orders, arguing they violated Indian law and the Hindu Marriage Act.
The Delhi court agreed with Dhawan, ruling that the Australian court lacked jurisdiction over marital disputes involving Indian citizens. Dhawan explained that his wife compelled him to register properties in joint names and threatened to damage his reputation and cricket career.
Between 2021 and 2024, the Australian court passed multiple orders dividing assets, but Dhawan sought relief in India. The Delhi Family Court declared that he is not bound by the Australian rulings.
Senior Advocate Aman Hingorani, along with advocates Shweta Hingorani and Yukta Chauhan, represented Dhawan in the case. The judgment marks a decisive legal win for Dhawan and sets a precedent in cross-border marital disputes.
