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Delhi court upholds interim maintenance; able-bodied husband cannot evade duty by concealing income
A Delhi court upheld an interim maintenance order directing Pradeep Kumar to pay ₹7,500 per month to his estranged wife and their minor daughter in a domestic violence case, rejecting his claim of no income. The appellate court dismissed his appeal, finding lack of documentary proof of income and liabilities. The decision reinforces that interim relief aims to prevent destitution during proceedings.
Why It Matters
The ruling reinforces that a spouse cannot avoid legal maintenance obligations by concealing income, and clarifies that interim relief can be maintained pending full hearings.
Timeline
4 Events
Delhi appellate court upholds interim maintenance order and dismisses appeal
May 7, 2026
The appellate court rejected the husband’s contentions, noting he failed to provide documentary proof of his income or liabilities, and upheld the trial court’s interim maintenance order directing ₹7,500 monthly maintenance.
Husband files an appeal challenging the interim order
May 7, 2026
Pradeep Kumar filed an appeal challenging the December 23, 2025 interim maintenance order.
Interim maintenance order issued by Delhi trial court
December 23, 2025
A Delhi trial court directed Pradeep Kumar to pay ₹7,500 per month as interim maintenance to his wife Priya and their minor daughter in a domestic violence case.
Marriage of Priya and Pradeep Kumar in January 2020
January 2020
Priya and Pradeep Kumar were married in January 2020. The wife later alleged dowry harassment, domestic violence and cruelty, including demands for a Toyota Fortuner and pressure to undergo gender-determination tests and possible pregnancy termination if female.