The divorce case between Tej Pratap Yadav and Aishwarya Rai has been pending in Patna’s family court for nearly eight years, a delay that exemplifies the inefficiencies of the Indian judicial system, especially in family law matters. With the next hearing scheduled for May 29, 2025, the prolonged litigation continues to inflict emotional and social stress on both parties.
Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, married Aishwarya Rai, a Delhi University graduate and granddaughter of ex-CM Daroga Prasad Rai, in May 2018. The marriage broke down within months. Tej Pratap filed for divorce in October 2018, citing behavioral incompatibility, while Aishwarya alleged domestic violence, mistreatment, and harassment at the hands of Tej Pratap and his family.
She claimed Rabri Devi physically assaulted her and that Tej Pratap displayed troubling behavior, including drug use and private cross-dressing. The accusations include being dragged out by security personnel on Rabri Devi’s orders. Aishwarya’s family, especially her father Chandrika Rai, a senior politician himself, has stood by her.
The situation further escalated on May 24, 2025, when a post on Tej Pratap’s verified Facebook account revealed a 12-year-long extramarital relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. Though the post was later deleted and Tej Pratap claimed his account had been hacked, the damage was done. A day later, Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled him from the Rashtriya Janata Dal and disowned him from the family, calling his behavior irresponsible and immoral. The decision was publicly endorsed by his siblings, including Tejashwi Yadav and Misa Bharti.
Legal experts believe Tej Pratap’s alleged extramarital affair could be used as evidence of infidelity in court, further complicating the ongoing divorce proceedings. Aishwarya’s allegations, if proven, could lead to charges under IPC Section 498A for cruelty by a husband or his family. Additionally, the political fallout, including Tej Pratap’s expulsion, may be a calculated move by the Yadav family to protect their political image and avoid financial losses in a possible alimony settlement.
The case has drawn attention not just for its high-profile nature but also for highlighting deeper systemic issues in India’s family court system. Over 1.1 million divorce cases remain pending across the country due to inadequate judicial resources, complex legal procedures, and frequent delays. Experts say these delays cause significant emotional and financial harm, particularly to women, who face societal and biological pressures.
Amidst these challenges, some sociologists and legal thinkers suggest alternative forums like the Darul Qaza could provide faster, more dignified resolutions. Operated by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Darul Qaza uses Islamic principles of justice rooted in the Quran and Sunnah but is open to non-Muslims if both parties consent.
Unlike the slow-moving courts, Darul Qaza focuses on mediation and mutual consent, aiming to resolve matters quickly and respectfully. It allows separated individuals to move forward with their lives without the burden of prolonged litigation. Legal scholars say forums like these can play a crucial role in reducing backlog, lowering costs, and minimizing emotional stress.
Advocates of Darul Qaza emphasize that while it must function within the constitutional framework and uphold fairness, its model of ethical negotiation and cultural sensitivity offers a viable path for families trapped in legal limbo. Integration of such community-based mediation into the mainstream legal system could ease judicial congestion while promoting timely and just resolutions, particularly in personal matters like divorce.
Ultimately, Tej Pratap’s case underscores the urgent need for family law reforms that ensure both efficiency and justice. Solutions like Darul Qaza offer hope—not just for high-profile couples but for the countless ordinary people waiting years for closure.
