Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian cricketer, recently tied the knot with Sophie Shine on February 21, 2026. Shortly after this significant event, the Delhi family court issued a noteworthy ruling regarding Dhawan’s ongoing legal struggles with his ex-wife, Ayesha Mukerji. The court has mandated Ayesha to return a sum of Rs. 5.7 crore to Dhawan.
In detail, the Delhi family court’s decision stemmed from findings that Ayesha Mukerji had secured an Australian property settlement under conditions of threats and fraudulent behavior. Judge Devender Kumar Garg declared all settlement documents null and void, emphasizing that Dhawan had been coerced into signing the agreements. Furthermore, the court instructed Ayesha to pay an annual interest of 9 percent on the amount from the date Dhawan initiated legal proceedings.
The Delhi court also annulled the orders made by an Australian court in 2024, which had previously divided Ayesha and Dhawan’s global assets. The Australian ruling granted Ayesha 15 percent of the asset pool, which amounted to approximately AUD 1.17 million (Rs. 7.46 crore) and an additional claim of Rs. 15.95 crore (AUD 2.5 million) against Dhawan. These decisions were contested by Dhawan, who argued that they contravened Indian marriage laws.
Shikhar Dhawan’s legal battles concerning his marriage have gained considerable media attention. His relationship with Ayesha Mukerji deteriorated significantly after their marriage in 2012, leading Dhawan to express that Ayesha had threatened to damage his reputation and cricket career. He claimed she pressured him into registering properties in her name, even though he had purchased them with his own funds.
The details surrounding their divorce reveal a complex situation. In 2023, a Delhi court granted them a divorce, highlighting the mental trauma Dhawan experienced due to being separated from their son, Zoravar. The court noted that Ayesha either did not contest the claims made by Dhawan or inadequately responded to them. Although Dhawan was not awarded permanent custody, he received visitation rights and access for video calls from both India and Australia, where Ayesha resides. However, he has alleged that communication with his son was later cut off.
The legal intricacies of Shikhar Dhawan’s case reflect a broader narrative surrounding the challenges faced by individuals in high-profile divorces, particularly involving custody and financial disputes. The recent ruling reinforces the importance of protecting the rights of individuals within the judicial system, especially in cases involving alleged coercion and fraud.