Legal developments in divorce case of Actor Vijay and Sangeetha Sornalingam

CHENNAI: The ongoing divorce case between Tamil actor and politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekar, aka Vijay, and his wife, Sangeetha Sornalingam, has reached a significant new stage. Recently, Sangeetha filed a fresh petition with the Chengalpattu District Court, seeking an interim order to protect her right to reside in their matrimonial home in Neelankarai, Chennai.

The couple, who were married in August 1999 and share two children, have been under the public eye since reports surfaced regarding the divorce proceedings initiated earlier this year. In her latest court filing, Sangeetha expressed concerns that she might be barred from the residence now that legal separation is being sought. As a British citizen with no other residence in India, she has asked the court to either allow her to continue living in the Neelankarai home or ensure that Vijay provides suitable alternative accommodation that matches the family's standard of living until the case reaches its final disposal.

These legal developments follow Sangeetha's primary divorce petition, filed under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, in which she cited grounds including adultery and mental cruelty. The petition alleges that in 2021, she discovered an extramarital relationship involving Vijay and another actress, which she claims led to the breakdown of their marital trust. Sangeetha further alleges that despite initial assurances that the relationship would end, the association continued, and that she was subsequently excluded from social and professional aspects of her husband's life.

The matter has gained heightened public attention, particularly as the couple’s personal issues have coincided with Vijay’s transition into full-time politics with his party, the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam. While the situation has triggered widespread speculation across social and traditional media, Vijay has generally kept his public comments brief, recently telling supporters that he would handle the personal matter personally. The Chengalpattu District Court has set the next hearing for the case for April 20, 2026, where the court will further consider the applications regarding residential rights and other ongoing legal points.