The Bombay High Court recently delivered a heartfelt plea for familial harmony, urging siblings entangled in legal battles to "learn to give up rather than give into litigation." The advice came during a hearing on December 31, 2025, where Justice Jitendra Jain addressed an appeal in a defamation case between a brother and sister.
A Court's Lament on Fraying Sibling Bonds
Justice Jain expressed deep concern over the state of sibling relationships in contemporary society. While acknowledging the noble and precious nature of the bond, the court observed that this special connection is now often fraught with disputes, emotional tension, and unresolved conflict. The bench attributed the root cause of broken relationships to greed, ego, and the desire for a materialistic life.
The court poignantly reflected on festivals like Raksha Bandhan and Bhaubeej, which celebrate the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. "During life's highs and lows, a sister does not fear for she knows that standing by her is her brother," the court stated, adding that a brother sees his sister as a mirror to his soul. It lamented that instead of standing together, siblings now often stand against each other in a court of law.
The Defamation Case and Procedural Error
The case before the court involved a defamation suit filed by a brother against his sister. The dispute originated from their ongoing battle over parental properties, where the brother alleged the sister used "highly objectionable" language. The Bombay High Court had previously suggested both parties undertake to stop using abusive language while continuing the property litigation, but the brother insisted on pursuing the defamation case.
The trial court had refused to accept the sister's written statement in the defamation suit, citing delay. However, Justice Jain found that this rejection was based on a clerical error which mistakenly listed another advocate as the defendant's representative. The High Court held that this erroneous reasoning could not be sustained, emphasizing that parties must get an adequate opportunity to defend themselves, especially in a defamation case which impacts reputation.
A Call for Amicable Resolution and Harmony
Before concluding the order, Justice Jain strongly encouraged the siblings to consider an amicable settlement. "Considering the age of the parties, it would be in their best interest that they resolve their disputes amicably thereby restoring peace and harmony in their relationship," the court advised. It poetically noted that the bond between a brother and sister is "sometimes tightly woven, sometimes loosely held but never broken."
The court's message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving familial relationships over winning legal battles. By highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of the sibling bond, the Bombay High Court's observations extend beyond the specific case, offering a societal commentary on the corrosive effects of litigation on family ties.
