The Chengalpattu Family Welfare Court on Monday heard the divorce case involving Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK leader C Joseph Vijay and his wife, Sangeetha Vijay. After the proceedings, the court adjourned the matter to August 7 for the next hearing.
In recent weeks, reports had also hinted at a possible reconciliation between the two, with speculation surrounding whether the court proceedings would take place virtually or through an in-person appearance.
In March, Thalapathy Vijay faced a legal petition filed by Sangeetha amid their ongoing divorce proceedings. In her plea before the District Court in Chengalpattu, Sangeetha has sought permission to continue residing in their family home in Neelankarai, Chennai, until the divorce case reaches its conclusion.
The application was filed on February 22 as part of her main divorce petition under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. Along with seeking dissolution of the marriage, Sangeetha has also requested permanent alimony and the right to remain in the Neelankarai residence until the case is resolved or until an alternative accommodation of a similar standard is provided to her.
In her petition, Sangeetha stated that she and Vijay have been married for 26 years and that she dedicated herself to managing the household and raising their two children, Jason Sanjay, 25, and Dhivya Sasha, 20. She argued that she has lived according to Vijay’s lifestyle throughout their marriage and does not have another residence that matches that standard.
The filing also refers to Vijay’s public stature as a leading Tamil actor and the founder of the political party Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), which is recognised by the Election Commission of India.
According to Sangeetha, she initially tried to settle the matter amicably before approaching the court, but those efforts did not succeed. She further alleged that Vijay’s lawyer informed her that she would not be allowed to continue living in the Neelankarai house if she pursued the divorce case, leading to concerns about losing her residence.
Sangeetha, who is a UK citizen and holds a degree in biomedical science, said she currently has no suitable alternative place to stay. She has therefore requested an interim order allowing her to continue residing in the Neelankarai property with all existing facilities until the court delivers its final decision on the divorce. The residence has significance beyond the family’s personal dispute, as it is closely associated with Vijay’s public and political identity.
Vijay is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His co-star from several films, Trisha Krishnan, was visibly emotional at the actor’s oath-taking ceremony.
Also read: ‘Love is always louder’: Trisha Krishnan shares cryptic post after Vijay becomes Tamil Nadu CM
