Wife Cannot be Denied Maintenance Just Because She is a Graduate: Punjab & Haryana High Court

The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld that a wife cannot be denied maintenance just because she is a graduate or capable of earning, especially if she is not gainfully employed.

Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri clarified that unless a wife’s income is sufficient to maintain herself or grounds under Section 125 CrPC apply, her right to maintenance stands. 

The Court rejected the husband’s claim about his own financial liabilities and ruled that his statutory, social, and moral responsibility to support his wife and minor child prevails.

The Court upheld the Family Court’s order of ₹14,000 monthly maintenance and imposed costs on the husband.