“Language Itself Is a Failure”: Pune Court Grants Divorce to Disabled Couple with Help from Guardians as Translators

Pune, 17th May 2025: A young couple from Pune, both with hearing and speech impairments, found themselves not only battling a failed marriage but also the silence imposed by a system unprepared for their needs. In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring turn of events, their divorce was finally granted—thanks to the intervention of their guardians who stepped in as court-approved translators.

Madhav (26) and Madhvi (24) — names changed to protect privacy — tied the knot at the holy town of Alandi on 30 March 2023. It was a union that seemed ideal, with both partners facing similar physical challenges. Yet, within just 20 days of marriage, Madhvi left the matrimonial home permanently on 20 April. Despite efforts from both families and friends, the differences in lifestyle, personal preferences, and behaviour proved irreconcilable.

Both Madhav and Madhvi are educated — Madhav holds an ITI qualification while Madhvi has completed her 12th grade. After mutual discussions, they decided to pursue a divorce. But an unusual challenge arose: communication in the courtroom.

“As poet Gress once said, ‘Language itself is a failure; words are not enough.’ This was never truer than in their case,” said Adv. Bhagyashree Gujar-Mule, who represented the couple alongside Adv. Yuvraj Khatpe and Adv. Vrusali Navale.

The couple initially approached the court with legal representation, but struggled to find a certified translator fluent in Indian Sign Language (ISL). Professional translators quoted charges in the thousands — amounts the couple could not afford. As a result, their divorce proceedings were delayed by nearly two months.
The lawyers then submitted an application to the court requesting that the couple’s guardians, who had raised and supported them their entire lives, be appointed as interpreters in the case. The court accepted the request.

Senior Civil Judge S.V. Fulbandhe presided over the case and, acknowledging the couple’s mutual consent and communication needs, granted the divorce.
“They are both still very young and had not even completed a month of married life. Waiting endlessly for a translator could have wasted their precious years,” said Adv. Gujar-Mule. “Their mutual understanding and dignity in this process reflect incredible emotional maturity. They are now free to move forward with their lives.”