Karnataka HC grants Duniya Vijay divorce, orders ₹2 crore alimony
Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court has dissolved the marriage of Kannada star Duniya Vijay and his wife Nagarathna, overturning a Family Court that had earlier denied the divorce. The bench awarded Nagarathna ₹2 crore in one-time alimony — and pointedly reminded the actor that the values public figures project on screen should carry over into their private lives.
Key Takeaways
The Karnataka High Court granted a divorce to Duniya Vijay and Nagarathna on 3 September .
Vijay must pay ₹2 crore as one-time alimony within two months ; delay attracts 6% per annum interest.
A Division Bench of Justice D.K.
Singh and Justice H.
Shanthi Bhushan passed the order, considering the couple's three children and Vijay's financial standing.
A Family Court had earlier rejected Vijay's divorce plea, finding cruelty not established; the High Court overturned that on appeal.
The bench observed that public figures should reflect on-screen values in their personal conduct.
Both parties retain the right to challenge the order before an appropriate higher forum.
The Karnataka High Court on Thursday, 3 September granted a divorce to Kannada actor, director, and producer Duniya Vijay and his wife Nagarathna, bringing a close to a prolonged marital dispute. The court simultaneously directed Vijay to pay a one-time alimony of ₹2 crore to Nagarathna within two months.
Key Developments in the Case
A Division Bench comprising Justice D.K. Singh and Justice H. Shanthi Bhushan dissolved the marriage after weighing Nagarathna's personal circumstances, the welfare of the couple's three children, and Vijay's financial standing and stature in the Kannada film industry. The bench ruled that the one-time compensation of ₹2 crore must be paid within two months; failure to comply will attract interest at 6% per annum on the outstanding amount.
Why the Lower Court's Ruling Was Overturned
A Family Court had earlier rejected Vijay's divorce petition, holding that the grounds of cruelty he cited were not established. Despite that ruling, the marital relationship remained irretrievably broken — Vijay was unwilling to resume cohabitation, while Nagarathna had initially opposed dissolution. The High Court, considering the prolonged breakdown and the welfare of all parties, allowed the petition on appeal. During proceedings, Vijay had alleged, among other grievances, that Nagarathna had failed to adequately care for his parents.
Court's Observation on Public Figures
Notably, the Division Bench remarked that the values and conduct public figures portray on screen ought to be reflected in their personal lives as well — an observation directed at Vijay's standing as a prominent face of the Kannada entertainment industry. Both parties retain the option of challenging the order before an appropriate forum.
Who Is Duniya Vijay
Duniya Vijay rose to prominence with the 2007 blockbuster Duniya and has since built a career as an actor, director, and producer in the Kannada film industry. He also essayed the principal antagonist opposite Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna in Veera Simha Reddy. His daughter, Monisha Vijay Kumar, is set to make her acting debut in the Kannada film City Lights, directed by Vijay and featuring Vinay Rajkumar in the lead role.
What Happens Next
Vijay must deposit the ₹2 crore alimony within the court-stipulated two-month window. Should the payment be delayed, the 6% annual interest clause kicks in automatically. Either party may approach a higher forum to contest the ruling, though no such move has been announced as of the date of the order.
Point of View
Pegged to Vijay's industry standing rather than a fixed statutory formula, signals judicial discretion at work. What stands out is the bench's unsolicited remark about public figures and personal conduct — rare judicial editorialising that goes beyond the operative relief. Whether that observation carries persuasive weight in future entertainment-industry cases remains to be seen, but it sets a tone that courts are not indifferent to the gap between a celebrity's public persona and private behaviour.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Karnataka High Court order in the Duniya Vijay divorce case?
The Karnataka High Court granted a divorce to Kannada actor Duniya Vijay and his wife Nagarathna, and directed Vijay to pay ₹2 crore as one-time alimony within two months. Failure to pay within the stipulated period will attract interest at 6% per annum.
Why was Duniya Vijay's earlier divorce plea rejected?
A Family Court had previously rejected Vijay's divorce petition, ruling that the grounds of cruelty he cited were not established. The High Court, however, considered the prolonged and irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and allowed the petition on appeal.
How much alimony has Nagarathna been awarded?
Nagarathna has been awarded a one-time alimony of ₹2 crore. The court set a two-month deadline for payment, after which a 6% annual interest rate applies on the unpaid amount.
Can either party challenge the Karnataka High Court's order?
Yes, both Duniya Vijay and Nagarathna retain the option of challenging the High Court's order before an appropriate higher forum, though neither party had announced such a move as of the date of the ruling.
Who is Duniya Vijay?
Duniya Vijay is a prominent Kannada actor, director, and producer who rose to fame with the 2007 blockbuster Duniya. He has also appeared in Telugu films, most notably as the antagonist in Veera Simha Reddy opposite Nandamuri Balakrishna.
