Chef Kunal Kapur Granted Divorce On Grounds Of Cruelty: 5 Case Facts

The Delhi High Court ruled in favour of celebrity chef Kunal Kapur on March 2, granting him a divorce based on the grounds of cruelty inflicted by his estranged wife. The court found the woman's behaviour towards Kapur to be lacking in dignity and empathy, stating that her conduct amounted to cruelty within the marriage. Kapur, known for his appearances as a judge on the television show MasterChef India, filed for divorce after enduring what he described as disrespectful treatment from his wife, particularly towards his parents. The couple tied the knot in April 2008 and welcomed a son in 2012.

5 Things To Know About The Case

1. In his plea, Kapur accused his wife of consistently disrespecting his parents and subjecting him to humiliation. Conversely, the woman refuted these claims, asserting that she had always endeavoured to communicate with her husband affectionately and remained loyal to him. She accused Kapur of fabricating stories to obtain a divorce and misleading the court. She claimed that he engaged in extramarital affairs and frequently indulged in flirtatious conversations with his fans.

2. The court emphasised that Kunal's estranged wife was unable to substantiate her accusations against him and relied solely on presumptions rather than concrete evidence. Moreover, the court deemed these unfounded allegations a deliberate attempt to damage Kunal's reputation in the public sphere, which amounted to cruelty within the marriage.

3. The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna, scrutinised the allegations from both parties. They emphasised that while disagreements are commonplace in marriages, disrespect and inconsideration towards a spouse erode the sanctity of the union.

4. The court highlighted Kapur's rise to fame as a celebrity chef within two years of marriage, commending his hard work and dedication. The court said, "It is relevant to mention here that within two years of marriage, the appellant has established himself as a celebrity chef, which is a reflection of his hard work and determination."

5. They dismissed the woman's allegations as attempts to tarnish Kapur's reputation, noting that unsubstantiated claims can inflict significant harm on one's reputation and constitute cruelty. In granting divorce to Kunal Kapur, the Delhi High Court has reaffirmed the principle that marriages must be built on mutual respect and understanding.