In an order dated 2 May 2025, a Judicial Magistrate First Class (Mahila Court) in Delhi dismissed an application for interim maintenance of ₹50,000 a month, including rent, made by a wife against her husband. The couple had married in July 2022 and separated in October 2023, and divorce proceedings were pending. Advocate Pravesh Dabas appeared for the husband.
What the court considered
- The applicant had described herself on affidavit as an unemployed graduate with no income.
- The husband placed on record her diploma in computer science and engineering, her B.Ed. certificate, a job offer letter and an income tax return showing income, and she accepted that she had taught at a school for a year.
- The husband's own income, rent and loan repayments were also before the court.
- The court held that the applicant had not approached the court with clean hands — "one who seeks equity must do equity" — and found no reasonable explanation for the omissions in the income affidavit. Relying on judgments cited for the husband, it said she appeared capable of earning independently.
A separate domestic violence case between the parties was reported to be continuing.
Why disclosure matters
In maintenance proceedings, both parties must file affidavits of assets, income and expenditure. Courts decide interim maintenance largely on these affidavits, so incomplete or inaccurate disclosure can weigh heavily against the party responsible.
Where it was reported
- The Indian Express — "'One who seeks equity must do equity': Court dismisses woman's maintenance plea", and "Delhi court junks woman's maintenance plea, says she tried to hide financial and educational status to extort money"
- The Times of India — "Court rejects wife's maintenance plea for concealing financial status"
