As Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) was getting ready to celebrate Women’s Day with much fervour, a fresh legal fight has left its leader unnerved. In a new petition, actor and TVK leader C. Joseph Vijay’s wife, Sangeeta, has moved the Chengalpattu District Court, seeking orders to protect her rights to continue as a resident at her matrimonial home in Neelankarai, on the scenic East Coast Road near Chennai. The fresh affidavit filed by Sangeeta comes at a time when their divorce petition is pending in court.
The affidavit has become a huge embarrassment for Vijay’s fans and followers on social media, who were celebrating their matinee idol as he prepares for his maiden electoral fight. The interlocutory petition was filed by Sangeeta in connection with her main original petition seeking dissolution of marriage under Sections 27(1)(a), (b), and (d), read with Sections 36 and 37 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The interlocutory petition is supported by an affidavit dated 22 February.
While seeking the dissolution of the marriage solemnised on 25.08.1999 in Chennai, along with the payment of fair and reasonable permanent alimony, the interlocutory petition seeks "the grant of her right of residence in the matrimonial home, situated at No. 36, Casuarina Drive, Sri Kapaleeshwarar Nagar, Neelankarai, Chennai-600 115, until the disposal of the main petition or until an equivalent alternative accommodation, commensurate with the status of Vijay (respondent), is provided."
48-year-old Sangeeta states in her affidavit that she has been a “dutiful wife” to Vijay for 26 years and devoted herself to managing the household and raising their two children—Jason Sanjay, 25, and Divya Shasha, 20. She has also said that she took care of Vijay while he “took good care” of the family and “provided a comfortable lifestyle” in accordance with his standard of living. The affidavit also notes that she made several sincere efforts to secure a dignified and amicable dissolution of marriage by mutual consent, considering various factors relating to Vijay's professional and political circumstances.
According to the affidavit, all her efforts for an amicable resolution did not materialise. The petition states that Vijay, through his advocate, made it clear that she “will not be permitted to reside in the matrimonial home if she chooses to approach the court for a legal separation.” While acknowledging Vijay’s public identity as the leader of the political party “Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, recognised by the Election Commission of India” and describing him as a “prominent and successful actor in the Tamil film industry”, the petition notes that she has been “constrained to file the present petition” before the court, primarily seeking dissolution of the marriage and other ancillary reliefs under the provisions of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Upon filing the main original petition seeking divorce, the petition notes that it has created an apprehension that she could be denied residential accommodation. She says that she currently does not have any alternative residence commensurate with the respondent’s (Vijay) status, as she is a citizen of the United Kingdom.
Sangeeta’s application, therefore, seeks an interim order under Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, permitting her to continue to live in the Neelankarai residence, “with the rights, amenities, and facilities presently available to her, pending disposal of the main original petition.” The petition notes that she will be “subjected to considerable hardship and difficulty” otherwise. On the other hand, the petition also notes that if such an ad-interim order is granted, “no prejudice will be caused to the respondent (Vijay) in any manner. It is therefore respectfully submitted that the balance of convenience lies in favour of the petitioner (Sangeeta).”
While this is the second petition leaked to the media—after her main original petition seeking divorce came to light a few days ago—the legal fight could lead to significant damage to Vijay’s public image, with just two months left until the assembly general election. Furthermore, the Neelankarai residence of Vijay also carries political significance beyond the marital dispute between Vijay and his wife.