Supreme Court ruled that it can dissolve a marriage on the grounds of "irretrievable breakdown" by invoking its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
The Bench led by Justice S K Kaul held that the court could waive the mandatory six-month waiting period for divorce under The Hindu Marriage Act (HMA), 1955.
Section 13B of the HMA provides for “divorce by mutual consent”.
The mandatory six-month wait is intended to give the parties time to withdraw their plea.
Article 142 of the Constitution deals with the enforcement of decrees and orders of the apex court to do "complete justice" in any matter pending before it.
As per Article 142(1), a decree passed or an order made by the apex court is executable throughout the territory of India.