Advocate Saranya Natarajan addresses online backlash in Vijay–Sangeetha dispute, calls for empathy on Women's day

Advocate speaks on Vijay and Sangeetha divorce

• Sangeetha seeks right to stay in home during divorce case
• Advocate Saranya Natarajan criticizes harsh online reactions to Sangeetha
• Sangeetha seeks fair alimony and protection from eviction

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A recent Instagram post by Madras High Court advocate Saranya Natarajan has drawn attention amid ongoing public discussions surrounding actor Vijay and his wife Sangeetha.

In a formal press statement shared online, the advocate expressed concern over what she described as deeply troubling reactions on social media, particularly those directed at Sangeetha — as details of the couple’s divorce proceedings continue to surface.

At the centre of the conversation is a fresh petition filed by Sangeetha, 51, amid the ongoing divorce case. A British citizen, she has stated in court that she does not own a residence in India. In her latest application, she has sought the right to continue living in the matrimonial home or, alternatively, to be provided accommodation equivalent to Vijay’s status.

The petition also includes a request for the payment of what is described as “fair and reasonable permanent alimony”.

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A post shared by SVN_Saranya (@advocate_saranya_natarajan)

According to the filing, Sangeetha has alleged that Vijay made it clear she would not be permitted to remain in the matrimonial home if she pursued legal separation. She has therefore approached the court seeking interim protection to ensure she is not left without accommodation while proceedings continue.

While the legal aspects are now before the court, the matter has inevitably spilled into the public sphere — where opinions have been swift and, at times, unforgiving.

In her statement, she referred to reports of a Residence Order sought by Sangeetha and questioned what she sees as selective empathy in public discourse.

She noted the irony of celebrating Women’s Day while, in her view, overlooking another woman’s distress. Without aligning herself with any political ideology or camp, she clarified that her remarks were rooted not in politics but in principle.

“This is not politics. This is about humanity,” she wrote.

A significant portion of her statement addressed what she described as the online targeting of Sangeetha. She expressed concern that sections of followers had been harsh in their commentary, contrasting it with what she characterised as greater empathy shown by some outside those circles.

Saranya also offered a personal reflection, sharing that witnessing abuse within her own family during childhood had shaped her understanding of such situations. That experience, she explained, informs her belief that allegations of suffering or emotional distress should not be dismissed or reduced to partisan debate.

Also Read: 'I will handle it': Vijay assures TVK workers amid divorce row

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings continue. Sangeetha’s application seeks to secure residential rights during the pendency of the divorce case, arguing that denial of accommodation could leave her without a place to stay in India.

The petition came to wider attention shortly after Vijay attended a wedding reception alongside actor Trisha Krishnan — an appearance that reignited speculation about the couple’s separation.