Kerala High Court: Temporary Job Not A Bar To Maintenance Under S.125 CrPC/S.144 BNSS

The Kerala High Court held that a wife can claim maintenance under Section 125 CrPC/Section 144 BNSS even if she has a temporary job or part-time income, provided it is insufficient to meet her needs.

The Family Court had denied her maintenance and granted ₹6,000 per month to each child.

The husband argued under Section 125(4) CrPC / Section 144(4) BNSS, that she was employed and living separately without sufficient cause.

The Court found no proof of a stable income and accepted her claim of cruelty. It awarded the wife ₹8,000 per month and upheld the children’s maintenance.

[Rajeevan M v. Rantin P & Anr]