Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Bombay HC Reduces Maintenance, Stresses Shared Lifestyle Costs
The Bombay High Court recently reduced the amount of money a husband has to pay his wife and son every month for their living expenses.
The court said that both the husband and wife should share the cost of maintaining their lifestyle.
The husband lost his high-paying job during the Covid-19 pandemic and now earns less.
He offered to pay less money if his wife moved to a different flat, but she refused.
The court also said that decisions about their son's education should be made together.
The husband now has to pay Rs 25,000 per month instead of Rs 50,000, and he has 12 weeks to pay the money he owes.
The court also told the lower court to make a final decision about the maintenance within 9 months.
The Bombay High Court reduced interim maintenance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.
The husband lost his high-paying job during the Covid-19 pandemic and now earns less.
The wife refused to move to the Panvel flat, preferring to stay in Andheri.
The court emphasized that both spouses should contribute to maintaining their lifestyle and paying EMIs.
Decisions about the child's education should be made mutually.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court, a husband (chartered accountant), and his wife
- What
- Reduction of interim maintenance and emphasis on shared financial responsibility
- When
- July 27, 2026
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- To ensure fair financial contribution from both spouses and address the husband's reduced income
Husband's Perspective
Wife's Perspective
Maintenance Amount
Husband's Perspective
The husband argues that he can only afford to pay Rs 25,000 per month due to reduced income and financial liabilities.
Wife's Perspective
The wife opposes the reduction, maintaining that the original Rs 50,000 is necessary for their lifestyle.
Residence
Husband's Perspective
The husband proposes that the wife move to the Panvel flat to enable him to sell the Andheri property and clear liabilities.
Wife's Perspective
The wife refuses to move from Andheri, preferring to stay in the premium location.
Financial Contribution
Husband's Perspective
The husband argues that both spouses should contribute to maintaining their lifestyle and paying EMIs.
Wife's Perspective
The wife expects the husband to bear the financial burden alone, including the EMI for the Andheri flat.
- Original Maintenance Order
- Rs 50,000 per month
- Reduced Maintenance
- Rs 25,000 per month
- Husband's Current Income
- Significantly reduced due to job loss during the Covid-19 pandemic
- Wife's Contribution
- Not contributing towards the EMIs of either flat
- Child's Education
- Decisions about school choice and fees should be mutual
- Arrears Payment Deadline
- 12 weeks
- Maintenance Case Decision Deadline
- 9 months