On 25 August 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that a husband has both a legal and moral duty to support his wife throughout her life if he has the financial means. Justice Shalini Singh Nagpal gave this ruling while upholding a family court order that directed an 86-year-old Army veteran, who is paralyzed, to pay ₹15,000 monthly maintenance to his 77-year-old wife.
The court made it clear that age or physical condition cannot be used as an excuse to deny spousal support. It observed that while the husband is old and unwell, the wife is also elderly and unable to earn for herself. The argument that she could depend on her sons was rejected.
The family court in Narnaul, on 30 April 2025, had earlier ordered the veteran to provide ₹15,000 interim maintenance plus ₹11,000 litigation costs, considering his pension of ₹42,750 and agricultural land in the village. His lawyer argued that he was bedridden and that his property was under his son’s control. However, the High Court held that the wife’s right to live with dignity must be protected.
By upholding the order, the High Court emphasized that maintenance is not just a legal responsibility but also a moral obligation in Indian family life. The judgment ensures that the wife is not left in destitution and that her basic needs and standard of living are secured.
Be a part our social media community:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianMan.in?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/indianman.in?igsh=MWZ2N3N0ZmpwM3l3cw==
