Major Legal Victory for Shikhar Dhawan

In a significant legal triumph, veteran Team India opener Shikhar Dhawan has secured a major ruling in his ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife, Aesha Mukerji. A Delhi Family Court has ordered Aesha to return approximately ₹5.72 crore to Dhawan, which he had previously paid as part of a settlement. This verdict provides massive relief to the cricketer, who has been entangled in legal disputes since his divorce in 2023.

The Australian Property Dispute The root of the conflict lies in an order previously issued by an Australian family court. Aesha Mukerji, an Australian citizen, had filed a petition for a "Property Settlement" in Australia. Under Australian law, matrimonial assets must be distributed between spouses following a divorce. Consequently, Dhawan was required to transfer ₹5.72 crore to his former wife. However, the Delhi Family Court challenged the validity of this Australian directive. The judge observed that the concept of "Property Settlement" is alien to the Indian legal system and the Hindu Marriage Act. Clarifying that Indian laws do not have provisions for such property distribution, the court ruled the Australian order unsustainable on Indian soil and directed Aesha to refund the amount to Dhawan. Moving Beyond Mental Cruelty In 2023, the same court granted Dhawan a divorce on the grounds of "mental cruelty" inflicted by Aesha Mukerji. The court had noted her actions, particularly keeping their son, Zoravar, away from Dhawan for a prolonged period, as a cause of significant mental agony for the cricketer. A New Chapter for 'Gabbar' While concluding his legal battles, Dhawan has also embarked on a new journey in his personal life. On February 21, 2026, he married his friend Sophie Shine in a private ceremony in Delhi. Following the wedding, Dhawan urged fans to ignore fake quotes and clickbait news circulating in his ex-wife's name, asking them to maintain a positive outlook. With this latest court victory, Dhawan appears to have closed a painful chapter of financial and personal disputes as he begins his new life.