A Caste Certificate, a Divorce, and a Painful Reunion: 21-Year-Old Son Meets Father for the First Time in Pune Court
Pune, 28th December 2024: In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a 21-year-old man met his father for the first time in a courtroom as his parents finalized their divorce. The incident underscores the emotional toll marital disputes can have on children, often making them silent victims of unresolved conflicts.
The couple, Pramila and Pushkar (names changed), had been estranged for over two decades. Married in May 2002 through family connections, the relationship began to sour within a few months due to irreconcilable differences. In May 2003, Pramila gave birth to their son, Prashant (name changed), but Pushkar never visited his wife or son after the birth.
Pramila moved back to her maternal home shortly after, and Pushkar filed a petition urging her to return to their marital residence. However, Pramila refused and instead sought alimony for herself and their son. The court directed Pushkar to provide financial support, but he failed to fulfill the obligation, ultimately withdrawing his petition.
Over the years, the estranged couple ceased communication entirely. Prashant, who grew up without his father’s presence, recently required a caste certificate and other documents to pursue higher education after completing his 12th standard. When Pramila failed to obtain these documents, she sent a legal notice to Pushkar through her lawyer, Advocate Anagha Kale.
Pushkar agreed to provide the necessary documents but demanded a divorce in return. Both parties decided to proceed with a mutual divorce, filing the requisite documents in court. During the proceedings, Prashant accompanied his mother, and it was then that he saw his father for the first time.
The divorce is scheduled to be finalized in January 2025. Meanwhile, Prashant has received the documents needed to continue his education, bringing some resolution to an otherwise painful chapter of his life.
