The Supreme Court has directed the employer of a man to deduct ₹25,000 per month from his salary and transfer the amount directly to the bank account of his estranged wife as maintenance for her and their minor daughter.
A Bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan passed the order after noting that the husband had failed to comply with earlier directions and had not paid any maintenance despite living separately from his wife since 2022.
Child Being Raised Solely By Mother
The Court recorded that the couple has a four-year-old daughter, who is being raised solely by the mother.
The Bench noted that the husband had not contributed towards the child’s upbringing. It also observed that he had not met the child for the past four years.
Earlier Mediation Direction Ignored
Earlier, the Supreme Court had referred the parties to mediation. The Court had asked them to explore a lump-sum settlement for dissolution of the marriage.
As an interim arrangement, the husband was directed to deposit ₹25,000 towards travel expenses of the wife and the child to attend mediation proceedings.
However, the Bench observed that the husband did not comply with that direction either.
Arrears Of Interim Maintenance
During the hearing, the Court was informed that a Magistrate’s Court had granted interim maintenance in 2024.
The husband had reportedly accumulated arrears of about ₹1.38 lakh.
The Bench also examined the husband’s affidavit of financial condition, in which he stated that he earns ₹50,000 per month and claimed to be under financial constraints.
Husband Refuses To Pay Lump Sum
The judges asked the husband whether he was willing to deposit ₹2.5 lakh, which included the maintenance arrears.
The husband declined to make any payment.
Supreme Court Orders Salary Deduction
In view of the husband’s continued non-compliance, the Supreme Court directed his employer to deduct ₹25,000 every month from his salary.
The amount must be transferred to the wife’s bank account through RTGS.
The Bench emphasised that the Court was particularly concerned about the welfare of the minor child.
The Court noted that the mother has been raising the child alone and is currently living with her uncle after the death of her father.
The matter has been listed in April for reporting compliance with the Court’s directions.
