The internet is buzzing with the claim that Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal is set to pay a staggering ₹60 crore in alimony to his wife, Dhanashree Verma, following their rumored divorce. However, is there any truth to this claim, or is it yet another case of media sensationalism?
As a seasoned lawyer and an expert content writer, I will dissect this controversy from a legal standpoint while also analyzing how the media and public perception shape such narratives.
The Genesis of the ₹60 Crore Rumor
According to a viral report, various media outlets have suggested that the couple, who got married in December 2020, are heading for a divorce, with Chahal allegedly agreeing to pay ₹60 crore as a settlement. However, a closer examination of the sources reveals that this figure lacks official confirmation. The transcript of a popular YouTube video discussing this controversy highlights the speculative nature of the reports.
Legal Perspective on Alimony in India
To understand whether a ₹60 crore alimony payment is plausible, we must first analyze Indian divorce laws.
1. What is Alimony?
Alimony, or maintenance, is a financial support that one spouse may have to pay the other following a divorce. It is governed by various personal laws in India, depending on the religion of the individuals involved:
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (Section 25) – Allows courts to decide maintenance based on the spouse’s income and lifestyle.
- Special Marriage Act, 1954 (Section 37) – Covers alimony for interfaith marriages.
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 125) – Provides for maintenance claims.
- Other Religious Laws – Govern maintenance for Muslims, Christians, and Parsis.
2. How is Alimony Decided?
Courts consider multiple factors, including:
- The husband’s income
- The wife’s financial independence
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The duration of the marriage
Given that Chahal and Dhanashree were married for less than five years, a ₹60 crore alimony demand seems highly unlikely unless there was a pre-nuptial agreement or an extraordinary financial arrangement.
Chahal’s Financial Position: Can He Afford ₹60 Crore?
Reports suggest that Chahal earns around ₹20 crore annually from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and endorsements. While he is undoubtedly wealthy, a ₹60 crore payout would be a significant financial burden.
Estimated Income Breakdown:
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings (₹) |
|---|---|
| IPL Contract | ₹6-10 crore per season |
| BCCI Retainer Fee | ₹3-5 crore annually |
| Endorsements | ₹5-8 crore annually |
| Investments | Undisclosed |
Based on these figures, while a large settlement is possible, ₹60 crore is an unusually high amount for such a short-lived marriage.
Media’s Role: How False Narratives Gain Traction
The media frenzy surrounding this case is reminiscent of past celebrity divorces where misinformation spread rapidly.
1. Past Celebrity Divorce Myths
- Samantha Ruth Prabhu was falsely reported to have demanded ₹200 crore from Naga Chaitanya.
- Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan faced similar false rumors about a massive settlement.
2. The Sensationalism Strategy
Media outlets often use question marks (“Is Chahal Paying ₹60 Crore?”) to spark curiosity while avoiding accountability.
3. How Social Media Fuels the Fire
- Viral tweets and YouTube videos amplify speculation.
- Fan wars create emotionally charged debates.
- The absence of official statements leads to assumptions.
What is the Truth?
From a legal and logical perspective, the ₹60 crore alimony claim appears baseless. Here’s why:
- No court documents confirm such a settlement.
- Neither Chahal nor Dhanashree has publicly spoken about their divorce.
- The figure seems exaggerated given Chahal’s earnings.
Until there is an official statement, the claim remains a rumor.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Chahal-Dhanashree Case
This controversy highlights the importance of responsible journalism and media literacy. Celebrity personal lives should not become a playground for misinformation. Before believing such claims, one must always verify facts from credible sources.
As a lawyer, I can confidently say that unless evidence emerges, Chahal’s ₹60 crore alimony remains nothing more than an internet-fueled myth.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe the reports, or is this another example of fake news in the digital age?
As of now, there is no official confirmation from either Chahal or Dhanashree. The reports citing this amount are largely based on speculation, and no verified legal documents have surfaced supporting this claim.
Under Indian law, alimony is determined by factors like the financial status of both parties, marriage duration, and lifestyle.
