In a case blending legal discretion with poignant reflection, the Kerala High Court has granted bail to a 91-year-old man, Thevan, accused of stabbing his 88-year-old wife, Kunjali, following suspicions of infidelity.

The couple had been living together when tensions reportedly escalated after Kunjali confronted Thevan over alleged relationships with other women. The prosecution stated that these accusations deeply affected the elderly man, leading to emotional distress.

The situation culminated on March 21, when Thevan allegedly attacked Kunjali with a knife, leaving her seriously injured. He was taken into custody the same day and remained in judicial custody until the bail hearing.

While considering his bail application, Justice P. V. Kunhikrishnan took an empathetic approach, underscoring the emotional and relational dimensions of the case. In his April 10 order, the judge noted, "I do not want to make any further discussion on this. Let Thevan, aged 91, live happily with Kunjali, his wife aged 88, in their old age. Let there be a happy life for them."

Granting bail with standard conditions, the court emphasized the importance of companionship in advanced age. "Thevan should understand that his only strength in old age is Kunjali. And Kunjali should also know that her only strength is Thevan," the court said.

Highlighting the enduring bond between the couple, Justice Kunhikrishnan observed, "Age does not dim the light of love; it only makes it shine brighter. Kunjali still loves her husband—that is why she is closely observing him even now. As we grow older, our love for each other only deepens."

In an unusual departure from traditional judicial language, the judge also cited verses from “Saphalamee Yathra,” the final poem of renowned Malayalam poet N. N. Kakkad, which reflects on ageing, love, and companionship.

Closing his remarks with a profound observation, the judge wrote, "A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together, but when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.