Calcutta HC: Foreign Divorce Orders Valid in India if Spouse Lives Abroad

• Calcutta High Court ruled that foreign court divorce and maintenance orders can be valid in India if one spouse lives abroad.
• The court stated foreign courts can have jurisdiction if a spouse resides there and the couple last lived together there.
• This landmark decision quashed an Alipore District Court order that had stayed a UK Family Court's maintenance ruling.
• The Alipore court had argued the husband filed first in India and the UK court lacked jurisdiction.
• High Court emphasized a liberal interpretation of the Hindu Marriage Act and the husband's participation in UK proceedings.

Why It Matters: Foreign court divorce/maintenance orders can be valid in India under specific conditions, as per Calcutta HC.