Can a Divorce Petition be filed through power of attorney?
In our opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong if the family courts do entertain an application or a petition filed through power of attorney.
A power of attorney cannot be used in instances where evidence is required; in such cases the court requires the presence of the original applicant/ petitioner as only he/she possess personal knowledge about the facts and circumstances of the case.
Though, one would like to know what Merlyn Law Firm’s opinion is with regard to this matter?
The courts have stated that:
“In cases where a divorce is sought on mutual consent, and in other instances where divorce is sought on the ground of adultery and cruelty. Insofar as there is specific provision under the Code of Civil Procedure enabling a petition to be filed through a power of attorney holder, there is nothing wrong in the Family Court entertaining an application even though it is filed through power of attorney holder. The provisions of CPC squarely apply to matters that are entertained by Family Court as well. Therefore, we do not think that the Family Court was justified in rejecting the petition at the far end of the trial on the ground that it was not maintainable.”
References: Regharani Vs Prabhu