ColdPlay Gate Scandal: Unicorn Tech Company Astronomer’s CEO Andy Byron and his HR chief Christin Cabot have come into controversy due to the ‘Kiss Came’ Moment, which went viral during a concert last week. The video is from the July 2025 concert of Coldplay, where both were seen close to each other on camera.
The matter was heated on social media when Bayran’s wife Megan Kerrigan removed the ‘byron’ surname from her Facebook profile. However, Andy Bayran and Megan have not given any official response to their relationship. However, this small change has given air to the rift in the relationship and speculation of possible isolation.
The controversy on the Internet is trending as #ColdPlaygate. But one of the serious aspect of this discussion is that it has reinforced the debate on the laws related to infidelity, divorce and alimony in India.
How does Indian law look at infidelity and alimony?
The basis of giving interim or permanent alimony in India mainly rests on sections 24 and 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. In addition, there are similar provisions in the Special Marriage Act, Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act and Section 144 of the Indian Civil Protection Code (BNSS), 2023.
In the year 2018, the Supreme Court removed the extramarital affair in the Joseph Shine vs. India Union case (Adultery) from the criminal category. However, it is still a valid basis of divorce in civil law. The court takes it seriously while fixing the amount of ultimate.
How is the amount of ultimoni fixed by infidelity?
Supreme Court advocate Tushar Kumar says, ‘Infidelity can still prove to be decisive in civil matters. If there is a divorce on the basis of infidelity of the husband, the court usually softens in favor of the wife while deciding the ultimate.
Although there is no prescribed percentage in the law, the Indian courts typically fix alimony from 25% to 33% of the husband’s net monthly income. If the marriage has gone long, children or husband’s behavior has been very objectionable, then this amount can also increase.
Property sharing: Does morality matter?
There is a ‘Community Property’ model in Western countries, ie after divorce, property has a 50:50 distribution. However, property divides in India is based on ownership and economic contribution.
Tusshar Kumar says, ‘The court sees how much contribution to the property. If a property is jointly purchased or the wife has a direct contribution to it, then only her can get her share.
Can infidelity affect the conditions related to divorce?
If it is said in straight and clean words, it can be done yes. The managing partner Alaya Razvi at Accord Juris says, ‘Property is divided on ownership basis, but the effect of conduct is clearly visible on the ultimat. If the husband is guilty, the court can be more generous in favor of the wife. On the other hand, if the wife proves guilty of infidelity, then she can wash her hands with permanent ultimoni. ”
Therefore, even though morality is not decisive in the sharing of property, it may have a clear effect on the ultimation.
Isn’t an unfaithful wife entitled to the Elimination?
There is a large possibility of this, but evidence is necessary for this. Razvi explains, ‘If the wife is found involved in’ extramarital affair ‘under Section 25 (3) of the Hindu Marriage Act, the court may refuse to get permanent ordered or order to withdraw the earlier amount. ”
However, such a decision can be taken only when the husband presents concrete evidence and witnesses. Nothing happens only with rumor or doubt. If the wife is financially helpless, interim ultimate can be found under Section 24, but permanent ultimids can be eliminated when the extramarital affair is proved.
Tushar Kumar clarifies, ‘The side which is accusing the side of infidelity is responsible for proving it. The evidence should live up to the level of ‘Prepondering of Probabilitys’ i.e. judicial possibilities. Only then the court can cancel the ultimoni on that basis.
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