Supreme Court: Wife Entitled to Maintain Matrimonial Home Lifestyle During Divorce Proceedings

The Supreme Court directed the husband to pay Rs.1,75,000 monthly interim maintenance while considering the instant appeal revolving around an order of reduction of maintenance by Madras High Court, whereby the husband prayed for further reduction of monthly interim maintenance amount and wife prayed for an enhancement; the Division Bench of Vikram Nath and Prasanna B. Varale, JJ., found errors in evaluation made by the High Court and pointed out that it was on record that the wife had sacrificed her employment after the marriage and was accustomed to a certain standard of living in her matrimonial home.

Therefore, during the pendency of the divorce petition, she is also entitled to enjoy the same amenities of life as she would have been entitled to in her matrimonial home.

2024 SCC OnLine SC 3367.