Court Orders Interim Maintenance for Estranged Wife and Daughter
MUMBAI: In a significant ruling, a magistrate’s court has directed a state cabinet minister to pay interim maintenance of Rs 2 lakh to his estranged first wife and unmarried daughter. This decision comes in the wake of a domestic violence case filed by the woman in 2022, wherein she sought interim maintenance of Rs 5 lakh for herself and her two children, along with Rs 25 lakh as compensation.
Findings of Domestic Violence
The court observed that the relationship between the parties appeared strained. Judicial Magistrate A B Jadhav noted that the minister’s denial of the marital status of the applicant indicated emotional abuse, constituting domestic violence. Consequently, the magistrate stated, “I hold that applicant No 1 prima facie proved that she was subjected to domestic violence at the hands of the respondent.”
The court ordered Rs 1.25 lakh to be paid to the wife and Rs 75,000 for the daughter, while clarifying that the son, having reached majority, is not entitled to maintenance.
Legal Costs and Responsibilities
In addition to the maintenance, the minister has been directed to pay Rs 25,000 as costs associated with the application. This ruling reinforces the legal obligations of individuals in positions of power towards their family members and highlights the judicial system’s commitment to addressing domestic violence.
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This case serves as a reminder of the importance of legal protection for victims of domestic violence and the responsibilities of individuals to support their families, regardless of their status.
