The Madras High Court, partly allowed a Civil Revision Petition (CRP No.2590 of 2025) filed by a husband, challenging the order of the IV Additional Principal Family Court, Chennai, which had directed him to pay interim maintenance of ₹30,000 per month each to his wife and their son.
The dispute arose during pending divorce proceedings. The wife had sought interim maintenance under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act for herself and the child, along with payment of educational expenses. The Family Court had granted both reliefs. The husband, while not disputing his obligation towards his son’s maintenance and educational expenses, objected to the interim maintenance awarded to the wife, arguing that she was financially independent, earning substantial dividends as a Director of a private company, and owning valuable immovable properties.
The wife countered that the dividends were utilized for their son’s education, and that she did not have steady income. However, the High Court, after reviewing her financial records, held that she had received significant dividends in recent years and owned property, which gave her sufficient independent means. It found that the Family Court had failed to examine these aspects and had mechanically granted maintenance.
Accordingly, the High Court set aside the Family Court’s order insofar as it directed payment of ₹30,000 to the wife, while upholding maintenance and educational support for the son, which the husband had already accepted and complied with. The Civil Revision Petition was thus partly allowed.