Madhya Pradesh High Court Upholds Modern Lifestyle as No Ground to Deny Wife Maintenance

Madhya Pradesh High Court Upholds Modern Lifestyle as No Ground to Deny Wife Maintenance

In a milestone verdict, the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently turned down a lawsuit questioning wife’s maintenance and ruled that a “modern lifestyle” cannot be considered as sufficient basis for denying financial support. Justice GS Ahluwalia presided over the case and made some significant comments on personal life styles choices and legal duties with respect to matrimonial maintenance.

The court proceedings emerged from the husband’s dissatisfaction with her wife’s modern style of living which he claimed was against his traditional family values. The husband challenged an earlier order by Satna district court that had directed him to pay ₹5,000 monthly maintenance to his wife and another ₹3,000 for their toddler son. In his arguments, the respondent based them on social media activities of the applicant and her life style which he depicted as extremely modern compared to his conservative upbringing.

During the proceeding, the respondents counsel averred that respondent’s lifestyle should determine whether she requires any maintenance or not suggesting that her modern ways were enough reasons for denying her any financial backing. However, this view was disallowed by Justice Ahluwalia who held that a non-criminal lifestyle does not affect choices relating to alimony as it is made clear in Indian law. It was emphasized by him that merely living in today does not amount to any crime or vice that leads to denial of maintainability.

Moreover, Justice Ahluwalia noted there was nothing excessive about the maintenance figure considering cost of living and prevailing economic realities. He stressed that personal differences regarding lifestyles are immaterial to claims for alimony since these are designed mainly for providing financial support where needed.

Additionally, irrespective of personal or moral objections based on one’s way of life; justice must be maintained under all circumstances according to law. On morality influencing judicial rulings, husband’s counsel contended but court solidly disagreed stating legal decisions must transcend individual morals so as to administer justice equally.

Conclusion:

This ruling serves as a reminder that judges should not be biased when applying the law. The verdict comes as a reminder that except where there is involvement in some illegal activities lifestyle choices should not be counted upon while deciding matrimonial maintenance matters. This judgment confirms an individual’s right to choose how they live without compromising on legal principles that govern maintenance.

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