Karnataka High Court Grants Actor Divorce and Awards Wife ₹2 Crore Permanent Alimony

Cross-allegations of cruelty in the long-running marriage of actor B.R. Vijay Kumar and Nagarathna

The Court examined media allegations, the actor's conduct, and evidence of severe animosity involving his parents. Neither side filed complete financial statements, but the Court noted the admitted commercial success of his films.

Issue and applicable law

The central question was cross-allegations of cruelty in the long-running marriage of actor B.R. Vijay Kumar and Nagarathna.

The decree rested on cruelty under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, not public status. The Court stressed that fame heightens responsibility rather than creating an exception from matrimonial obligations.

Court's reasoning

The Court held that the wife's repeated unproved public allegations that the actor had several wives caused mental cruelty, although his own conduct with another woman was deplorable. Its principal reason was that irretrievable breakdown and mutual cruelty made continuation oppressive, while Section 23 prevented the husband from relying on consequences of his own intimate conduct as desertion.

Decision and practical effect

The marriage was dissolved and a one-time ₹2 crore permanent-alimony payment was ordered to secure the wife and three children and end future litigation.

The ruling is significant because it clarifies how the stated legal standard should be applied to comparable disputes without extending the decision beyond the facts reported by the source.

Case details

• Case: Matrimonial appeal involving B.R. Vijay Kumar and Nagarathna
• Court: Karnataka High Court
• Case number or citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Kar) 341
• Judges: Justice D.K. Singh and Justice H. Shanthi Bhushan
• Source: https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/karnataka-high-court/karnataka-high-court-grants-divorce-actor-duniya-vijay-awards-permanent-alimony-wife-549212