Ranchi, October 22, 2026: The Jharkhand High Court has delivered an important verdict in a marital dispute from Garhwa, directing the husband to pay monthly maintenance of ₹10,000 each to his wife and their minor son. A division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Manoj Prasad upheld the divorce decree passed by the Family Court while modifying the order regarding permanent maintenance.
According to the case details, the couple got married on February 6, 2013. The husband claimed that his wife had been living separately with their son, Vaibhav Raj, since September 18, 2015. Subsequently, a petition seeking restitution of conjugal rights was filed. The Family Court passed a decree in the husband's favour in 2017, but the couple could not resume their married life. Later, the Family Court granted a divorce on May 23, 2022, which the wife challenged before the High Court.
The wife had alleged cruelty and dowry harassment at her matrimonial home. The High Court observed that the issue of cruelty had been decided without formally amending the petition. However, the court declined to interfere with the divorce decree.
During the proceedings, the court was informed that the wife works as a Sahiyya under the National Rural Health Mission and receives an honorarium of only ₹2,000 per month. Her minor son is also dependent on her.
Considering the financial circumstances of both parties, the court ordered monthly maintenance of ₹10,000 each for the wife and her son under Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act. The order will take effect from October 15, 2026. The son will receive maintenance until he attains majority. The wife's right to recover any previously outstanding maintenance amount will also remain unaffected.
