MUMBAI: A city court has directed a businessman who runs a chain of restaurants to pay a monthly interim maintenance of Rs 1.25 lakh to his estranged wife. Further, it said the amount will attract an annual increment of 5% from August 2023 so that the woman, who lives in Bandra, does not have to knock on its doors repeatedly for enhancement of the amount.
Additionally, the court has ordered the man to pay Rs 25,000 towards her rent until her main complaint is decided. He will also have to pay over Rs 20 lakh in maintenance arrears. The magistrate said, "The assets and liabilities affidavit filed by the woman reflects that she is earning some income, but it is not enough to lead day-to-day life with dignity and as per her lifestyle in society to which she and her children belonged. Both the parties belong to higher economic strata. The order needs to be in tune with their social status and day-to-day necessities." The court further said the man had various sources of income from his hotel and other businesses. "The husband and in-laws are leading a wealthy life, though the applicant and her children are in distress and in need of money and shelter. As such, monetary relief of maintenance and other expenses need to be granted," it said.
