The Bombay High Court recently upheld a family court’s order directing a Dombivli resident to pay ₹15,000 per month in interim maintenance to his estranged wife, dismissing his arguments regarding her employment and his own expenses.

The husband had claimed his gross monthly salary was around ₹65,774 (net ₹57,935) and that he also supported his ailing parents. He contended that his wife's income - reported at over ₹25,000 per month - made her ineligible for high maintenance.

However, the court reviewed 2022 salary slips showing the husband earned up to ₹1.17 lakh per month and noted a significant income disparity: the wife earned a modest ₹18,000 monthly and struggled with commuting costs and accommodation.

Justice Manjusha Deshpande emphasized that the wife’s income did not exempt the husband from supporting her to maintain the standard of living enjoyed in the marital home. The court also highlighted that reliance on her parents was not sustainable long-term, concluding she is entitled to ongoing financial support.