Can a decree of divorce by mutual consent under Article 142(1) be granted without a joint motion under s.13-B, Hindu Marriage Act, 1955?

Constitution of India, 1950 — Article 142 — Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 — s.13-B — Divorce by mutual consent — Irretrievable breakdown of marriage — Quashing of connected proceedings — Constitution of India, 1950 — Article 142 — Divorce by mutual consent — Irretrievable breakdown — Held: Article 142(1) empowers this Court to decree divorce by mutual consent for irretrievable breakdown, without relegating parties to a joint motion under s.13-B, Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Existence of the power is a question of law, while its exercise is a mixed question of law and fact. (¶20) Constitution of India, 1950 — Article 142 — Matrimonial settlement — Quashing of connected proceedings — Held further: Where a matrimonial settlement resolves the discord, Article 142(1) extends to quashing all connected civil and criminal proceedings between the parties, so litigation is not left to separate forums. Article 142 application allowed; marriage dissolved and pending proceedings quashed. (¶22, 25)