Leander Paes does not turn up in court after filing petition for daughter's custody

The custody battle for Leander Paes and Rhea Pillai's nine year-old daughter Aiyana continues even as reports appear in the press about the couple spending family time together in London during the finals of the Wimbeldon.
Surprisingly, the tennis ace who had filed the petition seeking the custody of his child from his partner, did not turn up for the hearing in the Bandra Family Court yesterday.
A friend of the couple said: “It was surprising that the petitioner was not present when the law wanted to discuss the issue and decide the matter.“ Rhea who reached the court at 11 am thought Leander was late by a few minutes but when he didn't turn up at all she was quite exasperated.
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Lawyer Mrunalini Deshmukh, who is representing Rhea, confirmed that the Padma Bhushan awardee was indeed missing during the hearing. “This has happened for the second consecutive time,“ she informed. When contacted, Leander's spokesperson however said that he is in the US playing World Team Tennis. “He is the captain of the Washington Kastles. His lawyers have informed the court about his professional commitments and will be requesting for an alternative date,“ she said.
So will Leander be present the July 30 hearing? “I am not aware if he is supposed to be there. I cannot comment on that,“ said the spokesperson. Rhea's petition for domestic violence will be heard in court on that day.
When asked if there is any chance of reconciliation, the friend of the couple stated emphatically, “No way! Reconciliation is out of question."
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