National Lok Adalat at Udupi reunites 3 estranged couples separated for years

Udupi: In a heartwarming moment unfolded at the National Lok Adalat on Saturday when the Family Court in Udupi reunited a couple who had been separated for six years, officiating their remarriage with an exchange of garlands and sharing sweets to mark the occasion.

Raghavendra Acharya from Soraba married Malathi Muddamane from Mandarthi in April 2018 at the Chamundeshwari Sabha Bhavan in Yedthady. Shortly after their marriage, Malathi returned to her maternal home due to differences with her husband.

The couple has a son, but Malathi refused to return to her husband’s house due to mutual disagreements. Raghavendra filed a petition in the Soraba Senior Civil Court, seeking reconciliation with his wife.

However, as per the court’s order, Malathi did not return within the specified time. Consequently, Raghavendra filed another petition in the same court, seeking a divorce. Malathi contested the divorce and requested the Karnataka High Court to transfer the case to Udupi Family Court. The High Court granted her request, and both parties appeared before the Udupi Family Court.

A reunion, a new chapter

Advocates representing both parties suggested resolving the matter amicably through the National Lok Adalat. During the session held on Saturday, both Raghavendra and Malathi were persuaded to reconcile and live together as husband and wife. They happily agreed to the reunion.

In the presence of Principal District and Sessions Judge Kiran S Gangannavar, Family Court Judge Srinivas Suvarna, District Legal Services Authority Secretary PR Yogesh, and other advocates, the couple exchanged garlands, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their marital life along with their son. The reunion was celebrated by distributing sweets.

Another couple reunites after 13 years

In another case, Gopal Shetty and Ashalatha Shetty, who had separated just months after their marriage in 2011 due to minor misunderstandings, reconciled after 13 years. They had filed for divorce, but under the guidance of Judge Kiran S Gangannavar, Family Court Judge Srinivas Suvarna, and the District Legal Services Authority, the couple resolved their differences and exchanged garlands.

Likewise, a couple, Karnananda and Keerthakumari, who had been separated since 2021, reconciled during the Lok Adalat.

Family disputes filed in courts can often be resolved amicably if advocates and courts work towards reconciliation. This not only settles cases but also brings estranged families back together, said advocate Anand Madiwal.

District Legal Services Authority continues to offer free counseling and support to couples facing marital discord, encouraging them to lead a harmonious life together, said Kiran S Gangannavar, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairperson, District Legal Services Authority, Udupi.