High Court of KeralaSingle JudgeTransfers allowed for Tr.P(C) 675/2023 and 721/...

TR.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023

Case / Petition Number:TR.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023
Neutral Citation:2025:KER:13312

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • BASANT BALAJI
Judgment Date
2025-02-12
Court Decision / Holding
The petitions are disposed as follows: Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023 and 721/2023 are allowed; Tr.P(C) No.746/2023 is dismissed. The Family Court, Thiruvalla, shall withdraw and transfer O.P.389/2023 and O.P.390/2023 to the Family Court, Thodupuzha, to be tried along with O.P.244/2023. The records shall be transferred to Thodupuzha, and the parties are to appear before the Family Court, Thodupuzha on 24.04.2025.
Final Disposition
Transfers allowed for Tr.P(C) 675/2023 and 721/2023; Tr.P(C) 746/2023 dismissed; O.P.389/2023 and O.P.390/2023 transferred to Thodupuzha; O.P.244/2023 to be tried with them; Records to be transmitted to Thodupuzha; Appearance fixed on 24.04.2025.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • JINCY GEORGE
  • LALI K.
  • ARUN JOY

Respondents

  • ARUN JOY
  • JINCY GEORGE

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • M.V.RAJENDRAN NAIR

Counsels for Respondents

  • • DEEPAK TWINKLE SANAL

Case Synopsis & Summary

This is a consolidated order of the Kerala High Court dealing with TransferPetitions (Civil) under sections relating to Family Courts. The petitions—Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023 and 721/2023—are filed by the wife seeking transfer of cases from the Family Court, Thiruvalla, to the Family Court, Thodupuzha, on account of her permanent residence in Kumaramangalam (Thodupuzha Taluk) and the practical difficulty of attending proceedings at Thiruvalla. Tr.P(C) No.746/2023 is filed by the husband challenging a related transfer, arguing that Thodupuzha is inconvenient due to his injury sustained in a road accident, travel hardship, and the greater distance from his residence. The court references medical certificates and social context (distance, travel hardship, recent accident) and notes that multiple related original petitions (O.P.244/2023 for divorce, and O.Ps 389/390/2023) exist in Thiruvalla. Citing apex court decisions emphasizing convenience to the wife in matrimonial disputes, the court allows transfers to consolidate proceedings for just and efficient administration of justice. Ultimately, Tr.P(C) 675/2023 and 721/2023 are allowed, Tr.P(C) 746/2023 is dismissed, and records are to be transferred to Thodupuzha with appearances fixed in April 2025.

Provisions of Law Cited

Section 12 of the Domestic Violence Act

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contend that being permanent residents of Kumaramangalam in Thodupuzha Taluk, it is onerous for them to attend Family Court proceedings at Thiruvalla. They seek transfer to Thodupuzha to ensure convenient access and to consolidate related proceedings (O.P.244/2023 and others) before a single Court for consistent adjudication and convenience.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondent husband counters that Thodupuzha is distant and inconvenient, especially after his road accident and ongoing medical treatment. He argues that the marriage was solemnised in Thiruvalla and that proceedings should remain in or be transferred to a court closer to the impediments created by his injury; his counter affidavit also notes the need for proper justice by centralizing proceedings.

Cited Precedents (4)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Sumitha Singh v. Kumar Sanjay and another[(2001)10 SCC 41]PositiveCited by the court to support the principle that transfer in matrimonial disputes can be based on convenience of the wife, guiding the discretionary transfer of cases for the ends of justice.
Mona Aresh Goel v. Aresh Satya Goel[(2000) 9 SCC 255]PositiveCited for the same principle of convenience in matrimonial transfers and consolidation of related proceedings.
Vaishali Shridhar Jagtap v. Sridhar Vishwanath Jagtap[AIR 2016 SC 3584]PositiveUsed to reinforce the permissibility of transfer in matrimonial matters on convenience grounds.
Santhini v. Vijaya Venkatesh[2017 (4) KLT 415(SC)]PositiveQuoted to justify that transfer can be effected in matrimonial disputes on convenience and justice grounds.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 1 ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** # **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 12[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2025 / 23RD MAGHA, 1946 ``` ``` TR.P(C) NO. 675 OF 2023 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT DATED IN OP NO.390 OF 2023 OF FAMILY COURT, THIRUVALLA ``` ## **`PETITIONERS:`** ``` 1JINCY GEORGE AGED 30 YEARS D/O GEORGE, KOTTAMURICKAL HOUSE, KUMARAMANGALAM KARA, KUMARAMANGALAM VILLAGE, THODUPUZHA TALUK, IDUKKI DIST., PIN - 685582 ``` ``` 2LALI K. AGED 52 YEARS W/O GEORGE, KOTTAMURICKAL HOUSE, KUMARAMANGALAM KARA, KUMARAMANGALAM VILLAGE, THODUPUZHA TALUK, IDUKKI DIST., PIN - 685582 ``` ## **`BY ADV M.V.RAJENDRAN NAIR`** ## **`RESPONDENT:`** ``` ARUN JOY AGED 35 YEARS ``` ``` S/O JOY, 3 A COTTAGE, PALIAKKARA KARA, THIRUVALLA VILLAGE, THIRUVALLA TALUK, PATHANAMTHITTA DIST., PIN - 689101 ``` ## **`BY ADV DEEPAK TWINKLE SANAL`** ``` THIS TRANSFER PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 12.02.2025, ALONG WITH Tr.P(C).721/2023, 746/2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 2 ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 12[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2025 / 23RD MAGHA, 1946 ``` ``` TR.P(C) NO. 721 OF 2023 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT DATED IN OP NO.389 OF 2023 OF FAMILY COURT, THIRUVALLA ``` ``` PETITIONER: ``` ``` JINCY GEORGE AGED 30 YEARS D/O GEORGE, KOTTAMURICKAL HOUSE, KUMARAMANGALAM KARA, KUMARAMANGALAM VILLAGE, THODUPUZHA TALUK, IDUKKI DIST., PIN - 685582 ``` ## **`BY ADV M.V.RAJENDRAN NAIR`** ## **`RESPONDENT:`** ``` ARUN JOY AGED 35 YEARS ``` ``` S/O JOY, 3 A COTTAGE, PALIAKKARA KARA, THIRUVALLA VILLAGE, THIRUVALLA TALUK, PATHANAMTHITTA DIST., PIN - 689101 ``` ## **`BY ADV DEEPAK TWINKLE SANAL`** ``` THIS TRANSFER PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 12.02.2025, ALONG WITH Tr.P(C).675/2023 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 3 ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI ``` ``` WEDNESDAY, THE 12[TH] DAY OF FEBRUARY 2025 / 23RD MAGHA, 1946 ``` ``` TR.P(C) NO. 746 OF 2023 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT DATED IN OPDIV NO.244 OF 2023 OF FAMILY COURT, THODUPUZHA ``` ``` PETITIONER: ``` ``` ARUN JOY AGED 35 YEARS S/O JOY, 3A COTTAGE, PALIYEKKARA, THIRUVALLA. P.O PATHANAMTHITTA., PIN - 689101 ``` ## **`BY ADV DEEPAK TWINKLE SANAL`** ## **`RESPONDENT/S:`** ``` JINCY GEORGE AGED 30 YEARS ``` ``` D/O GEORGE, KOTTAMURICKAL, KUMARAMANGALAM P.O, THODUPUZHA , IDUKKI DISTRICT., PIN - 637205 ``` ## **`BY ADV M.V.RAJENDRAN NAIR`** ``` THIS TRANSFER PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 12.02.2025, ALONG WITH Tr.P(C).675/2023 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 4 **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ## `2025:KER:13312` ## ORDER [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] Dated this the 12[th] day of February, 2025 Tr.P.(C ) Nos.675 of 2023 and 721 of 2023 are filed by the wife against the husband to transfer the cases before the Family Court, Thiruvalla, to the Family Court, Thodupuzha. Tr.P. (C) No.746 of 2023 is filed by the respondent husband to transfer the case pending before the Family Court, Thodupuzha, to the Family Court, Thiruvalla. O.P. No.244 of 2023 is filed by the wife before the Family Court, Thodupuzha for divorce. O.P.No.390 of 2023 and O.P.No.389 of 2023 is filed by the respondent/husband for return of money and for restitution of conjugal rights respectively, both pending before the Family Court, Thiruvalla. 2. The case of the petitioner/ wife in Tr.P.(C) Nos.721 of 2023 and 675 of 2023 is that she is a permanent resident of Kumaramangalam in Thodupuzha Taluk. It is very difficult for her to attend the proceedings in the Family Court Thiruvalla. Therefore, she seeks to transfer the cases to the Family Court, Thodupuzha. 3. A counter affidavit is filed in Tr.P.(C) No.675 of 2023 by the respondent husband. It is averred in the counter affidavit ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 5 **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` that the wife has filed M.C.No.203 of 2023 before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Thodupuzha under Section 12 of the Domestic Violence Act. Thereafter, she approached the Family Court, Thodupuzha, and filed O.P.No.244 of 2023 for divorce. Since, two O.Ps are pending at the Family Court, Thiruvalla and only one O.P is pending at the Family Court, Thodupuzha, therefore, for the proper delivery of justice, it is more convenient and beneficial to transfer O.P No.244 of 2023 from the Family Court, Thodupuzha to the Family Court, Thiruvalla. So that all the O.Ps be tried by the same Court. 4. It is further contended by the husband that the Family Court, Thodupuzha, has no jurisdiction where the matter is in issue, as the marriage was solemnised in Thiruvalla, and they also live together in Thiruvalla. It is also stated that the respondent met with a traffic accident on 20.07.2023 and sustained serious injuries. He has sustained multiple fractures to his ribs, injuries on his head and eyes and is also suffering from vision loss. Annexure R1(A) and R1(B) are the referral letters and a medical certificate Annexue R1(c) is also produced. It would show that he had sustained injuries. The respondent is under medication and has not fully recovered, so, he is unable to travel ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 6 **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` long distances. He has a mother aged 80 years with him. The Family Court Thiruvalla, is less than 1 km from his house, whereas the Family Court, Thodupuzha, is more than 80 Kms. He also apprehends that he will be manhandled by the relatives if he appears before the Family Court, Thodupuzha. Since, the doctor has advised not to take long journeys, therefore, he prays that the transfer be dismissed. 5. It is true that the respondent husband in Tr.P.(C) No.675 of 2023 has met with a road accident on 20.07.2023. The Annexue R1(c) medical certificate issued on 25.09.2023, only suggests that he has difficulty to drive at night. Since the petitioner wife is a permanent resident of Thodupuzha and the distance between the Family Court, Thodupuzha, and the residence of the respondent husband is less than 80 Km, I deem it appropriate to allow this transfer petition. 6. Taking note of the decision of the Apex Court in Sumitha Singh v. Kumar Sanjay and another [(2001)10 SCC 41], Mona Aresh Goel V.Aresh Satya Goel[(2000) 9 SCC 255] , Vaishali Shridhar Jagtap V.Sridahar Vishwanath Jagtap[AIR 2016 SC 3584 ] and Santhini V.Vijaya Venkatesh [2017 (4) KLT 415(SC)] it was held that, in matrimonial disputes, the prior consideration ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 7 **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` is to the convenience of the wife and in such cases the transfer has been effected. 7. Therefore, O.P. Nos. 389 of 2023 and 390 of 2023 pending before the Family Court, Thiruvalla, is withdrawn and transferred to the Family Court, Thodupuzha, to be tried along with O.P.244 of 2023 pending therein. In the result, Tr.P.(C) Nos.675 of 2023 and 721 of 2023 are allowed and Tr.P.(c) No.746 of 2023 is dismissed. The Family Court, Thiruvalla, shall immediately transfer the records to the Family Court, Thodupuzha, and the parties are directed to appear before the Family Court, Thodupuzha on 24.04.2025. Sd/BASANT BALAJI JUDGE saap ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 8 ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ## **`APPENDIX OF TR.P(C) 721/2023`** ``` PETITIONER ANNEXURES ``` ``` Annexure-A1 ``` ``` TRUE COPY OF THE NOTICE/FORM NO. 8 IN O.P. 389/2023 DATED 22.07.2023 OF FAMILY COURT, THIRUVALLA. ``` ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 9 ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ## **`APPENDIX OF TR.P(C) 746/2023`** ## **`PETITIONER ANNEXURES`** - **`Annexure 1 THE TRUE COPY OF NOTICE IN OP(DIVORCE)244/2023 ISSUED BY THE FAMILY COURT THODUPUZHA`** - **`Annexure 2 THE TRUE COPY OF OP 389/2023 BEFORE THE FAMILY COURT, THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA`** - **`Annexure 2 (a) THE TRUE COPY OF OP 390/2023 BEFORE THE FAMILY COURT, THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA`** - **`Annexure 3 THE TRUE COPY OF GENERAL DIARY OF MOOVATTUPUZHA POLICE STATION, DATED 05/08/2023`** - **`Annexure 4 THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF DOCTOR’S REFERRAL ORDER FROM THIRUVALLA MEDICAL MISSION HOSPITAL DATED 25/09/2023`** ``` Annexure 5TRUE COPY OF MEDICAL CERTIFICATE, ISSUED FROM EYE MICRO SURGERY AND LASER CENTRE, AN ISO CERTIFIED EYE HOSPITAL, THIRUVALLA, DATED 25/09/2023 ``` ``` [Tr.P(C) Nos.675/2023, 721/2023, 746/2023] ``` 10 ``` 2025:KER:13312 ``` **==> picture [58 x 57] intentionally omitted <==** ## **`APPENDIX OF TR.P(C) 675/2023`** ## **`PETITIONER ANNEXURES`** ``` Annexure -A1TRUE COPY OF THE NOTICE OF THE FIRST PETITIONER ``` ``` Annexure-A2TRUE COPY OF THE NOTICE OF THE SECOND PETITIONER ``` ## **`RESPONDENT ANNEXURES`** ``` annexure R1(C) ``` ``` true copy of the medical certificate, issued from Eye Micro Surgery and Laser Centre, an ISO certified Eye Hospital, Thiruvalla dated 25/09/2023 ``` ``` annexure R1(A) ``` ``` The true copy of the General Diary of the accident recorded by the Moovattupuzha Police Station, dated 05/08/2023 ``` ``` Annexure R1(B) ``` ``` The true copy of the doctor’s referral letter from Thiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital dated 25/09/2023 ``` //True copy// PA to Judge