In Brief
A husband challenged an order enhancing his maintenance obligation to his ex-wife and child from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 23,000 per month after divorce. The High Court had increased the amount based on the husband's increased net salary (from Rs. 63,842 to Rs. 95,527 per month in 2016). The Supreme Court held that while an increase in income may justify enhanced maintenance under Section 25(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, courts must consider all circumstances including the husband's remarriage and child from the second marriage. The Court reduced the maintenance to Rs. 20,000 per month, balancing the ex-wife's needs against the husband's financial obligations to his new family.
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