An NRI husband has been ordered by the court to pay Rs 1.5 lakh per month as interim maintenance to his wife despite her earning a salary of Rs 1.25 lakh per month. This ruling has raised questions about fairness in divorce settlements.
With the wife’s income, her total annual earnings now reach around Rs 33 lakh. The arrears alone are expected to exceed Rs 90 lakh. The case has sparked debate about whether men are equally considered in family law disputes.
The situation recalls the tragic case of Atul Subhash from Bengaluru, who faced immense pressure from his wife’s financial demands and ultimately ended his life. That incident highlighted that men can also be victims in marriages.
Critics argue that if a wife is financially independent, the husband should not bear such a heavy burden. Life after divorce should be equitable for both parties, allowing each to move forward without undue hardship.
Experts say the law needs to evolve to reflect modern realities, where women are educated, independent, and capable of supporting themselves. Balanced judgments can ensure fairness and prevent men from being unfairly penalised.
