In a stern measure to enforce maintenance obligations, the Supreme Court has directed the employer of a husband to deduct Rs. 25,000 every month from his salary and transfer the amount directly to his estranged wife’s bank account towards interim maintenance for her and their four-year-old minor daughter.
A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan passed the order after observing repeated non-compliance by the husband, who has been living separately from his wife since 2022 and has not paid any maintenance despite multiple court directives.
The Court highlighted the plight of the minor child, who has been solely cared for by the mother for the past four years. It noted with concern that the husband had neither contributed financially to the child’s upbringing nor even met her during this period.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had referred the parties to mediation to explore a lump-sum settlement for dissolution of the marriage. As an interim step, the husband was directed to deposit ₹25,000 to cover travel expenses for the wife and child to attend mediation sessions. However, even this direction was not followed.
The bench was informed that a Magistrate’s Court had already passed an interim maintenance order in 2024, resulting in accumulated arrears of approximately Rs. 1.38 lakh, which remain unpaid.
During the hearing, the Court perused the husband’s affidavit disclosing a monthly salary of ₹50,000 and claims of financial hardship. When specifically asked if he was willing to deposit ₹2.5 lakh (including arrears), he declined to make any payment.
Faced with persistent defiance, the Court stated:
“In such circumstances, we are left with no other option but to direct the employer of the respondent-husband, that an amount of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) shall be deducted per month from the salary and the said amount shall be transferred by RTGS to the account of his wife.”
The bench underscored its primary concern for the welfare of the minor child, observing that the mother is single-handedly raising her while residing with her uncle following the demise of her father.
The matter has been listed in April 2026 for reporting compliance with these directions.
Lawcutor 