New Delhi, 25 February (H.S.): The Patiala House Court granted cricketer Shikhar Dhawan major relief in a family dispute, directing his ex-wife Ayesha Mukherjee—an Australian citizen—to repay ₹5.72 crore received from an Australian property sale, deeming the foreign settlement invalid under Indian law.

Family Court Judge Devender Kumar Garg ruled the documents null and void, obtained via threats, extortion, trickery, and fraud. The court barred enforcement of the Australian court's February 2, 2024, order dividing global assets—including Dhawan's Indian properties—and halted further proceedings.

Dhawan and Mukherjee married in 2012 (separated 2021, divorced 2023). He alleged post-wedding threats to fabricate defamatory claims ruining his career, forcing joint registration of his self-funded properties (e.g., one listing her as 99% owner).

The Australian Family Court (under 1975 Act) treated assets as a marital pool, awarding her 15%—contravening Hindu Marriage Act and public policy, per Delhi ruling.

Dhawan recently remarried Sophie Shine; custody battles continue over son Zoravar, with visitation rights granted but communication allegedly blocked. Ayesha must pay 9% interest from filing date.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar