Court Increases Monthly Maintenance from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 6,000 for Wife Subjected to Cruelty and Neglect
In a significant ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court at Indore has enhanced the monthly maintenance amount for a woman who was a victim of child marriage from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 6,000. The decision, delivered by Justice Gajendra Singh, came in response to a criminal revision petition filed by the petitioner, Ranu, challenging the maintenance order passed by the Principal Judge, Family Court, Neemuch.
The case revolves around a marriage solemnized when the petitioner was merely 13 years old, while the respondent, Himashu, was 18. The petitioner alleged that she was subjected to cruelty and was neglected by her husband, which led her to seek maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. Initially, the Family Court had awarded a maintenance amount of Rs. 2,000 per month, which the High Court found to be insufficient given the circumstances.
The High Court's order, dated May 29, 2026, recognized the petitioner's inability to maintain herself and the unjustified meagerness of the earlier award. Justice Singh emphasized that the petitioner, being a victim of child marriage, was entitled to a reasonable maintenance amount to sustain her livelihood.
Furthermore, the court highlighted the responsibility of the parents who were instrumental in solemnizing the child marriage, stating that they cannot escape liability. The judgment suggests that if the husband faces financial difficulties, he should seek assistance from those who facilitated the child marriage.
The decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and ensuring they receive adequate support, particularly in cases involving child marriages and subsequent neglect.
Bottom line:-
Section 125 of Cr.P.C., 1973 - Enhancement of maintenance amount for wife who was a victim of child marriage, considering her inability to maintain herself and the meager amount awarded earlier.
Statutory provision(s): Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973
Ranu v. Himashu, (Madhya Pradesh)(Indore) : Law Finder Doc id # 2911754
