An Indian-origin woman, Varsha Gohil, has been awarded £6.6 million (about ₹85 crore) after a divorce case that began more than 20 years ago finally reached its conclusion in the UK.
The dispute started in 2002 when Varsha filed for divorce from her husband, Bhadresh Gohil, on grounds of adultery and unreasonable behaviour. At the time, the couple had three children and agreed to a financial settlement worth about £270,000 along with a family car. The case initially appeared settled, but she later suspected that not all assets had been disclosed.
Criminal investigation changed the case
Those suspicions were later supported when Bhadresh Gohil became linked to a major money laundering investigation involving associates of former Nigerian governor James Ibori. Authorities alleged that he helped move large sums of money through offshore accounts and corporate structures.
He was eventually convicted of money laundering, forgery and conspiracy to defraud and sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2011. The investigation revealed previously undisclosed assets worth tens of millions of pounds, leading prosecutors to freeze around £28 million.
These developments reopened Varsha’s long-standing challenge to the original divorce settlement.
Supreme Court allows case to be reopened
In 2015, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the financial settlement could be reopened, stating that a spouse who hides assets should not benefit from that misconduct. The decision gave Varsha a fresh legal opportunity to claim a fair share of the wealth.
However, the case remained complex. The Crown Prosecution Service argued that the frozen funds were proceeds of crime and should be confiscated by the state. Varsha maintained that part of the money came from legitimate business activity during the marriage and should be treated as matrimonial property. Gohil himself denied ownership of the assets.
High Court awards £6.6 million
The final decision came from the High Court, where Justice Williams reviewed competing claims over the frozen assets. The court found that some of the wealth had legitimate origins and was part of the marital estate.
Around £6.66 million was identified as untainted and awarded to Varsha Gohil.
The judge described the husband’s actions as extremely dishonest and noted that the case would be remembered by legal professionals for its unusually long and complex journey. He also criticised the credibility of the defence presented.
With the UK Court of Appeal ruling last month that no further appeals would be allowed, the long-running legal battle has finally come to an end.
