Delhi High Court: Wife Entitled to Maintenance Despite Qualifications if She Left Job to Care for Child

The Delhi High Court has held that a wife cannot be denied maintenance merely because she is qualified and was previously employed, especially if she had to quit work to care for the child.

The observation came in a petition by a husband challenging a family court’s order directing him to pay interim maintenance. He argued that his wife, a qualified teacher, earned ₹40,000–₹45,000 per month through teaching and tuition.

The wife stated she left her job to look after their minor son.

The Court noted that the husband’s income details weren’t adequately considered and ordered the family court to reconsider the matter, ordering that interim maintenance continue in the meantime.