Delhi High Court Holds Qualified Wife Entitled to Maintenance Until She Finds Employment

The Delhi High Court ruled that a highly qualified but unemployed wife is entitled to ad‑interim maintenance until she secures gainful employment or develops her income source.

The Court dismissed the husband’s challenge to a family court order requiring him to pay ₹1 lakh per month to his wife.

The court recognised the wife's strong academic background and promising career trajectory; however, it emphasised her unemployment after marriage and subsequent relocation. 

The Court concluded that until her financial independence is established, the husband must support her, affirming the principle that capability alone does not negate the right to maintenance in the absence of actual income.