Shikhar Dhawan’s Ex-Wife Aesha Mukerji Ordered to Return Crores in Major Divorce Property Dispute

A Delhi family court has directed Aesha Mukerji, the former wife of Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, to return Rs 5.7 crore that she received as part of an Australian property settlement. The court ruled that the settlement was secured through threats, coercion and fraudulent means, rendering it legally invalid in India.

The order was passed by Judge Devender Kumar Garg of the Patiala House Court, according to a report by Bar and Bench.

Shikhar Dhawan's Ex Wife To Return Rs 5.7 Crore: Settlement Documents Declared Null and Void

In its ruling, the Delhi court set aside all settlement agreements executed between Dhawan and Mukerji in Australia, declaring them null and void. The judge observed that Dhawan had signed the documents under circumstances involving threats, extortion, trickery and fraudulent conduct.

The court held that such agreements could not be enforced in India, especially when obtained through coercive tactics that compromised free consent.

Australian Property Orders Challenged in India

Mukerji had earlier been awarded 15% of the couple's asset pool by an Australian court. As part of those proceedings, she retained assets worth Rs 7.46 crore and was granted an additional Rs 15.95 crore, along with the transfer of a property.

Between 2021 and 2024, multiple orders were issued by Australian courts dividing the couple's assets. However, Dhawan challenged these rulings before the Delhi family court, arguing that they violated Indian marriage and personal laws and were therefore not binding on him in India.

The Delhi court accepted Dhawan's contention and ruled that he was not obligated to comply with the foreign court's orders.

Shikhar Dhawan Alleges Extortion, Threats and Property Fraud by Ex-Wife Aesha Mukherji

Shikhar Dhawan told the court that soon after their marriage in 2012, Mukerji allegedly threatened to circulate fabricated and defamatory material that could damage his reputation and professional cricket career.

He further claimed that properties purchased entirely with his own funds were forcibly registered either jointly or solely in Mukerji's name. In one instance cited before the court, Mukerji was listed as a 99% owner of a property funded by Dhawan.

After reviewing the evidence, the court found merit in Dhawan's claims and ruled in his favour.

Shikhar Dhawan's Divorce Granted, Custody Dispute Continues

The couple was granted a divorce by a Delhi court in 2023. In its judgment, the court noted that Dhawan had suffered mental trauma after being separated from his son, Zoravar, for several years.

While Dhawan was not awarded permanent custody, he was granted visitation rights and access through video calls in both India and Australia, where Mukerji resides. Dhawan later informed the court that he was eventually blocked from all communication with his son.

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