In a recent legal development, Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan has been granted a divorce from his wife, Aesha Mukerji, citing cruelty as the primary reason. The court’s verdict, delivered yesterday, reveals significant insights into the tumultuous relationship between the couple.
The court’s observations are as follows:
At the time of their marriage, Aesha Mukerji had initially agreed to reside with Shikhar Dhawan in India. However, she later reneged on this commitment, attributing it to her responsibilities towards her ex-husband and their two daughters living in Australia. Consequently, she relocated to Australia with their son, leaving Dhawan to live independently in India.
In a contentious financial dispute, Aesha Mukerji laid claim to 99% ownership of three Australian properties owned by Shikhar Dhawan, along with joint ownership in two others. These properties had been purchased by Dhawan with his own financial resources.
The court noted that Aesha had intentionally sent defamatory messages concerning Dhawan to various authorities within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), IPL team owners, and fellow cricketers. These actions were reportedly aimed at exerting pressure on Dhawan and causing him humiliation, ensuring the prompt receipt of her monthly maintenance.
Further contributing to their discord, the court acknowledged a dispute concerning Shikhar Dhawan’s decision to transport his ailing father to the hospital during the father’s COVID-19 infection.
Additionally, in 2020, Aesha and their son temporarily relocated to India, while her daughters continued to reside in Australia. During this period, she compelled Dhawan to provide a substantial monthly financial contribution of AU $15,500 for the support of her daughters from her previous marriage.
This divorce verdict brings an end to the union between Shikhar Dhawan and Aesha Mukerji, marking a significant personal milestone for the cricketer. The decision has garnered substantial attention within both the cricketing community and the media, casting a spotlight on the complexities of their marital relationship.