“I earn Rs 325 per day”: Man pleads as SC orders Rs 10,000 monthly to wife as maintenance

The Supreme Court has directed a man to pay Rs 10,000 per month to his wife as maintenance during the hearing of a matrimonial dispute, even as the husband claimed that he earns only Rs 325 per day. He informed the court that his limited income made it impossible for him to comply with the order and sought reconsideration of the amount.

During the proceedings, the bench observed that maintenance is intended to ensure basic financial support for a spouse and said the amount had been fixed after considering the circumstances of the case. The husband, however, maintained that he could not afford the monthly payment and stated that his colleagues were willing to file affidavits to support his claim regarding his income.

Suggesting the possibility of reconciliation, the bench remarked that the couple should attempt to resolve their differences amicably. “Keep your wife then. She will make food for you and for your children,” the court observed. The husband responded that his wife had filed complaints against him and his parents, arguing that reconciliation was unlikely.

The court then indicated that it may seek clarification from the man’s employer regarding his reported low wage. It said the company could be asked to file an affidavit explaining the salary structure. The husband’s counsel noted that such a move might also benefit other employees in similar circumstances.

The bench later reserved its order in the matter. The case comes amid consistent judicial observations that an able-bodied husband has a legal obligation to maintain his wife, reinforcing the principle of financial responsibility in matrimonial disputes.