In a significant instance of mediation resulting not merely in the formal closure of litigation but in the actual reunion of an estranged couple, the Supreme Court of India, sitting as a Special Lok Adalat under its 'Samadhan Samaroh 2026' initiative, successfully facilitated the reconciliation of a husband and wife, paving the way for them to restart their married life together.
The bench, comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, along with Member Conciliators Senior Advocate Sajjan Poovayya and Advocate-on-Record Kamini Jaiswal, passed an Award in terms of a Settlement Agreement dated July 13, 2026, executed between the parties.
Background of the Dispute
The matter arose out of Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 897 of 2026 (Pinki Kumari v. Rajesh Kumar), filed by the wife, Pinki Kumari, seeking the transfer of matrimonial proceedings pending against her husband, Rajesh Kumar, from the Family Court in Bokaro to Patna.
During the Special Lok Adalat proceedings on August 21, 2026, the Court noted that through pre-litigation conciliation and active mediation, the couple had decided to set aside their matrimonial grievances, bury their differences, and resume cohabitation.
Describing it as a "rare instance," the Special Lok Adalat observed in its Award:
"This is one such rare instance of where the matrimonial dispute having been ended peacefully namely both parties have agreed for reunion and lead happy marital life. In fact, we have interacted with the parties and they have agreed to restart their matrimonial lives by living together..."
The Bench placed on record its deep appreciation for the proactive efforts made by both spouses, their respective legal counsels Advocate Brajesh Verma appearing for the wife (Petitioner) and Advocate Ravi Chandra Prakash appearing for the husband (Respondent) and the learned Mediator for successfully bringing about a peaceful reconciliation.
Accepting the mediation report, the Court passed the Award in terms of the Settlement Agreement, holding that both parties shall remain bound by its terms and conditions. Consequently, the Stay Application (IA No. 94182/2026) and the main Transfer Petition were disposed of as resolved.
What is the Supreme Court's 'Samadhan Samaroh'?
The SAMADHAN SAMAROH 2026—formally titled "Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonization Across Nation"—is a landmark initiative launched by the Supreme Court of India. Designed to advance participative justice and doorstep delivery of dispute resolution, the process commenced on April 21, 2026, and culminated in a three-day Special Lok Adalat held at the apex court on August 21, 22, and 23, 2026.
Over the course of the three-day drive, the Special Lok Adalat resolved 1,712 cases, spanning matrimonial and family disputes, land acquisition, MACT claims, labor disputes, and commercial matters.
From Settlement of Disputes to Restoration of Relationships
The outcome in Pinki Kumari v. Rajesh Kumar underscores the human dimension of consensual dispute resolution under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. While standard judicial adjudication determines legal liabilities, mediated settlement under the Special Lok Adalat provides parties an opportunity to not only conclude litigation but also restore personal relationships and rebuild their lives together.