Nawazuddin drops INR1 billion defamation suit, settles to divorce Aaliya instead

Former couple is trying to avoid an ugly battle over custody of their children

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is set to resolve his issues with his estranged wife Aaliya and get a divorce. Reports reveal that as part of the settlement, he will withdraw the billion-rupee defamation case that he had filed against her.

According to Hindustan Times, the settlement process will also address other disputes that arose during the marital discord, but the duo is actively trying to avoid an ugly battle of custody for their children.

Aaliya, who wants a divorce and the custody of both their kids, stated, “Divorce will happen, that’s for sure and I will also be fighting for the custody of both my kids. Nawaz has also filed for custody but I will not let that happen. Both my kids want to stay with me and don’t want to live with him."

Speaking about the latest developments, Aaliya's lawyer, Advocate Rizwan Siddiquee said, "We want to keep the terms of the settlement private. The settlement relates to many other things, not just the custody of the children. The custody has always been with my client and will remain with her since she is the biological mother of the children. The children have been with my client since birth, so there should be no dispute regarding child custody, especially given Mr. Nawaz's busy schedule."

He further revealed that a “draft proposal” for the settlement has already been sent to Aaliya from Nawazuddin’s lawyer and that’s a “positive step” towards resolving the matter amicably. "The draft was sent to me on the March 23, 2023. It is a positive step that they are trying to settle the matter amicably. If all issues are closed in the interest of all parties concerned, especially the minor children, we shall be closing the matter soon. It is always a moment to appreciate when the parties involved don’t want to fight and settle, especially in matrimonial matters,” he added, saying that their focus isn’t to create more differences between couples but to peacefully solve things.

Earlier this week, Nawazuddin filed a defamation case against his brother Shamasuddin Siddiqui and Aaliya, demanding 1 billion rupees and an apology letter. Providing an update on the same, Siddiquee said, "When it comes to the defamation case, I can only say that we have not received a copy of the same yet. Even before the date of the said suit, Mr Nawazuddin himself has communicated the consent terms for settlement,” he said. “I am, therefore, ignoring the said suit at the moment and concentrating on the settlement between the parties. But I will say that based on pure merit, the defamation suit against my client is baseless. With the parties agreeing to settle, these things will also be settled, which will be an important part of the settlement process."

Nawazuddin and Aaliya have been making headlines for a while with Aaliya accusing the Sacred Games actor of “disowning” their children and alleging that his mother, Mehrunisa, harassed her by denying her access to the actor's Mumbai home. In response, Nawazuddin claimed that his estranged wife only wanted money, a claim that Aaliya denied.

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