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High Courts Refine Maintenance Law: Delhi Permits Clawback on Proven Adultery as Andhra, Allahabad Uphold Support

The latest orders underscore that support persists pending trial findings, with repayment triggered only if adultery is later established by evidence.

Overview

  • Delhi High Court directed the wife to file an undertaking to return all interim maintenance with 6% annual interest if a trial court ultimately finds she lived in adultery.
  • While setting the repayment safeguard, the Delhi court declined to disturb earlier interim awards absent trial proof, noting adultery allegations must be adjudicated at trial.
  • In the Delhi matter, a 2021 order granting Rs 26,000 per month was upheld in 2023, and the case now proceeds for evidence on the husband’s claims the wife disputes as fabricated.
  • The Andhra Pradesh High Court on February 9 dismissed a husband’s challenge and affirmed maintenance as a right, leaving in place Rs 7,500 for the wife and Rs 5,000 for their minor son from a Vijayawada family court order.
  • The Allahabad High Court on February 5 upheld Rs 15,000 monthly maintenance despite the wife’s reported earnings, citing Supreme Court precedent that a wife’s income alone does not bar support and emphasizing dignity and status-based assessment.