Wife earning more than her husband is not entitled to maintenance : Karnataka High Court

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – A wife who earns more than her husband is not entitled to maintenance, Karnataka High Court Judge Dr Chillakur Sumalatha has ruled in a significant judgment. The couple, who married in 2024, separated within a few months of their marriage. Observing that the wife had no children or any other major responsibilities, the Court set aside the maintenance order.

The wife had approached the trial court seeking maintenance. At that time, the husband’s monthly salary was ₹60,646, while the wife was earning ₹1 lakh per month. The trial court had directed the husband to pay ₹20,000 per month as maintenance. The husband challenged that order before the High Court.
The High Court set aside the trial court’s order. The Court observed that a wife earning ₹1 lakh per month is capable of maintaining herself. If the husband’s income is lower than the wife’s, he cannot be compelled to pay maintenance.