Woman alleges husband tricked her into signing divorce papers

Smriti Kumar, 24, (name changed), mother of a one-year-old girl child, was in tears when she approached the Ghaziabad SSP for help. She alleged that her husband, Sanjay Singh (30, name changed) made her sign several papers saying that a legal separation was required for him to appear for his civil services examinations.

Smriti Kumar, 24, (name changed), mother of a one-year-old girl child, was in tears when she approached the Ghaziabad SSP for help. She alleged that her husband, Sanjay Singh (30, name changed) made her sign several papers saying that a legal separation was required for him to appear for his civil services examinations.

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In August 2009, a Delhi Court ordered their divorce, based on ‘mutual divorce documents’ submitted by the couple. Kumar said she signed the papers to help her husband but now he has actually left her.

“He told me he can appear for the civil services exams only if we are legally separated. Thereafter , we lived together for six months but in March 2010, he left me and my daughter at my parental house saying that divorce was done and he does not wish to continue with the marriage. I want to continue with my husband but he planned a conspiracy and made me sign the divorce papers,” Kumar said.

“He and his lawyer did not tell me that these were actual divorce papers,” she added.

Although, Kumar said that her husband’s family was also involved in the conspiracy, Singh said none of the families were involved as only the husband and wife had signed the papers.

“She never adjusted with me and my family. Before signing the papers, I had told her that we are applying for a divorce,” Singh told HT.

Senior police officials counseled Kumar’s husband but in vain. The SSP said suitable action would be taken against Kumar’s husband if he is found guilty of obtaining divorce under a conspiracy.