Judge raps woman seeking Rs 6 lakh monthly maintenance

A Karnataka High Court judge has sternly rebuked a woman who demanded more than Rs 6 lakh per month as maintenance from her husband. The woman, Radha Munukuntla, was seeking financial support under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and had detailed her monthly expenses to justify her demand.

The woman’s advocate told the court that she needs Rs 15,000 per month for shoes, dresses, bangles etc and Rs 60,000 per month for food at home. She needs Rs 4-5 lakh for medical expenses for her knee pain and physiotherapy and other medication, the woman’s advocate told the court.

During the hearing, the judge observed that this is an exploitation of the process of the court. The judge further said that she could earn if she wants to spend so much money. “Please don’t tell the court that it is all a person requires. Rs 6,16,300 per month. Does anybody spend this much? A single lady for herself. If she wants to spend, let her earn. Not on the husband. You don’t have any other responsibility for the family. You don’t have to take care of the children. You want it for yourself… You should be reasonable,” the judge said.

The judge also asked the woman’s advocate to come up with a reasonable amount otherwise her plea would be dismissed.

The matter was being heard on August 20 on the issue of non-filing of the expenditure of woman namely Radha Munukuntla. On September 30, 2023, the Additional Principal Judge, Family Court, Bengaluru, granted her monthly maintenance of Rs 50,000 from her husband, M Narasimha. She moved the High Court requesting an increase in the interim maintenance amount.