SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, January 30: After nearly a decade-long legal battle that began soon after a troubled marriage, the Jharkhand High Court has brought final closure to a bitter matrimonial dispute between Priyanka Sahi and Siddarth Rao @ Rahul, enhancing the wife’s permanent alimony from ₹30 lakh to ₹50 lakh as a one-time settlement.
The judgment was delivered by a Division Bench of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary on January 21, affirming the annulment of marriage while substantially increasing financial compensation in favour of the wife.
A Marriage That Collapsed Within Months
The dispute traces back to December 2, 2015, when Priyanka Sahi and Siddarth Rao were married according to Hindu rites in Gorakhpur. What appeared to be a conventional arranged marriage soon turned into a nightmare for the bride.
Priyanka alleged that crucial facts were concealed before marriage, including her husband’s pre-existing live-in relationship with another woman. According to her, she discovered this only after reaching her marital home. She further alleged dowry demands, mental harassment, alcoholism, and neglect, stating that the marriage was never consummated.
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Within just three months, on March 2, 2016, she was allegedly forced out of her marital home and returned to her parents in Garhwa, Jharkhand.
Family Court Declares Marriage Void
Later in 2016, Priyanka approached the Family Court in Garhwa, seeking annulment of the marriage under Section 12(1)(c) of the Hindu Marriage Act, which allows a marriage to be declared void if consent was obtained through fraud.
She also sought ₹1 crore as permanent alimony and recovery of money and valuables given during the marriage.
The husband, despite repeated notices, failed to appear before the Family Court, leading to ex-parte proceedings. In February 2017, the Family Court declared the marriage null and void, holding that Priyanka’s consent had been obtained by fraud. However, it fixed permanent alimony at ₹30 lakh, payable within six months.
Appeals by Both Husband and Wife
Unhappy with the outcome, both sides approached the Jharkhand High Court:
- The wife, in 2019, challenged the alimony amount as inadequate, arguing that her husband was a senior professional earning over ₹1.5 lakh per month.
- The husband, in 2018, challenged the annulment itself, claiming he was not properly heard and accusing the wife of cruelty and false cases.
These cross-appeals remained pending for several years, prolonging the emotional and legal ordeal for both parties.
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High Court: Fraud Was Proven, Marriage Beyond Repair
After examining evidence, witness statements, and legal principles, the High Court found no fault with the Family Court’s decision to annul the marriage.
The judges noted that concealment of a live-in relationship before marriage amounts to fraud, striking at the very foundation of marital consent. The Court also observed that the parties had lived separately since 2016 and that the marriage had become a “dead wood marriage”, devoid of emotional or practical value.
Forcing such a relationship to continue, the Court said, would serve no purpose.
Alimony Enhanced to ₹50 Lakh
On the question of permanent alimony, the High Court took a more sympathetic view of the wife’s future needs.
While noting that Priyanka is a law graduate, the Court observed that she was currently unemployed and dependent on her family. In contrast, Siddarth Rao was employed as a senior manager with a stable income and the ability to pay more.
Applying Supreme Court guidelines on maintenance and financial fairness, the Court held that ₹30 lakh was insufficient and enhanced the amount to ₹50 lakh as a one-time settlement.
The Court directed that the amount be paid in five equal monthly instalments between February and June 2026, after which all claims arising from the marriage would stand fully settled.
Case Timeline at a Glance
- Marriage: December 2015
- Separation: March 2016
- Family Court Judgment: February 2017
- Appeals Filed: 2018–2019
- High Court Verdict: January 21, 2026
- Total duration of dispute: Nearly 10 years
A Clear Message from the Court
The judgment sends a strong message that marriage consent obtained by concealment and deception cannot be protected, and that the financial security of an aggrieved spouse must be realistic and fair, especially when the marriage collapses at its inception.
With this ruling, the Jharkhand High Court finally closes a painful chapter for both parties, allowing them to move forward with certainty and dignity.