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Actor-politician Vijay's divorce proceedings with estranged wife Sangeetha Sornalingam took another turn on June 15, when the Chengalpattu Mahila Court
adjourned the matter to August 7. Both the sides appeared in court after the summons but the hearing did not head to a settlement. The matter is drawing considerable attention due to Vijay's status as the Thalapathy of Tamil cinema who as recently elected as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. His wife Sangeetha has filed a petition to dissolve their marriage of 30 years legally on various grounds under the Special Marriage Act, including infidelity.
No significant progress in court
According to a report by IANS, the hearing began in the morning in the presence of Vijay and Sangeetha in the court. Earlier, the court had refused the requests of both sides seeking permission to appear virtually, stressing on their physical presence. The hearing concluded without resolution and was deferred to August, despite expectations that it could lead to a breakthrough.
Sangeetha's allegations in petition
Sangeetha's divorce petition is replete with serious allegations. She has accused Vijay of adultery and cruelty, saying she learnt in 2021 of his alleged relationship with another actress. According to reports, the court filing does not name anyone.
"In April 2021, the Petitioner (Sangeetha) discovered that the Respondent (Vijay) was involved in an adulterous relationship with an actress. This caused her deep emotional pain and mental suffering, amounting to betrayal and violation of marital trust," the petition stated.
It also says Sangeetha had the impression the relationship would end after repeated assurances but claims Vijay continued to have close public associations with the actress. She says the incident caused embarrassment and emotional distress to her and their children.
The filing also describes a gradual breakdown of the marriage, alleging emotional distance, a lack of communication and a hostile domestic environment. Sangeetha says she was left isolated in effect as Vijay's professional and political commitments came first.
Also, the petition highlights financial constraints and restrictions that are reportedly placed on her daily life. These claims are part of her argument that the marriage had broken down so much that there was no chance for reconciliation.
About Vijay and Sangeetha's marriage
Vijay and Sangeetha's relationship goes back to the late 1990s. The couple tied the knot in 1999, having first met after Sangeetha became a fan of his work. Through the years, they grew to be one of the most recognisable couples in the South Indian entertainment industry.
The couple have two children, a son named Jason Sanjay and a daughter, Divya Sasha.
