Kochi: Couple granted divorce through video conferencing; Rs 2.7 crore alimony

Kochi: Using video conferencing for the first time, a family court in the city has granted divorce to a woman and her ailing and bed-ridden Delhi-based businessman husband who agreed to pay a whopping alimony of Rs 2.7 crore.

Family Court Judge P Mohandas passed the order on Tuesday after the couple, both Keralites and in their 40s, reached an agreement following completion of all legal procedures, including counselling, for separation.

Since the wealthy businessman is bed-ridden now due to a stroke he suffered two years ago, the counselling of the couple by the Principal Counsellor was held at the Judge's chamber here through video conferencing yesterday.

The couple, married for seven years, had moved a joint application in the court for divorce six months ago.

The judge allowed use of the medium in view of the man's inability to travel.

The businessman would pay Rs 2.7 crore as alimony to the woman.

This was the first time video conferencing was used here for a divorce course in the family court here, court sources said.