HC Admits Actor-Odisha MP Anubhav Mohanty’s Plea, Issues Notice To Varsha Priyadarshini

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Tuesday admitted actor-turned-politician Anubhav Mohanty’s petition, challenging the verdict of Family Court on his divorce from estranged wife and actress Varsha Priyadarshini.

The HC has issued a notice to Varsha and asked the lower court to submit all records related to the case. The next hearing on the matter is posted for November 9.

Anubhav filed the fresh petition, seeking divorce from his wife Varsha Priyadarshini, under section 19 (1) of the Family Courts Act on Monday.

Notably, six years after their marriage in 2014, Anubhav had filed the divorce petition in a Delhi court  on July 6, 2020, citing non-consummation of marriage. It was transferred to the Family Court in Cuttack on the actress’ plea in the Supreme Court. On August 7, 2020, Varsha approached the SDJM court in Cuttack in a criminal miscellaneous case against Anubhav under Section 12 of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. She accused him of alcohol-related abuse to physical torture and financial bungling. She also demanded a monthly amount of Rs 70,000 towards house rent and maintenance.

On September 22, the Family Court here rejected the divorce petition filed by Anubhav and also dismissed Varsha’s plea seeking restitution of her conjugal rights on September 22 as the estranged couple could not prove their allegations and counter allegations.