The Supreme Court of India has ordered a man’s employer to deduct Rs 25,000 from his monthly salary and transfer it directly to his estranged wife’s bank account for the upkeep of her and their four year old daughter. The directive came after the Court noted that the husband had failed to comply with earlier maintenance orders and had not provided any financial support since living apart from his wife in 2022. He has also not seen his daughter during this period.
Earlier, the Court had referred the couple to mediation and instructed the husband to deposit Rs 25,000 to cover travel expenses for his wife and child, but he ignored that order. In 2024, a magistrate court had already passed an interim maintenance order, under which arrears of about Rs1.38 lakh had accumulated.
Despite earning a monthly salary of Rs 50,000, the husband claimed financial difficulties and refused to pay even when the Supreme Court asked if he could deposit Rs 2.5 lakh, including arrears.
Given his refusal, the bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan directed his employer to ensure the monthly deduction and transfer via RTGS.
The Court stressed that the welfare of the minor child was its primary concern, noting that the mother is raising her alone and currently lives with her uncle following her father’s death.
The case has been scheduled for April, when the Court will review whether its directions are being followed. This interim order underscores the Court’s determination to secure financial support for the child and ensure compliance with maintenance obligations.
