ANKUR JAIN Vs. SWATI JAIN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By way of this revision petition, the petitioner seeks setting aside of judgment dtd. 28/2/2024 [hereafter 'impugned judgment'] passed in MT Case No. 127/2020, titled 'Smt. Swati Jain v. Sh. Ankur Jain', by the learned Judge, Family Court-02, North-East, Karkardooma Courts, Delhi, [hereafter 'Family Court'] vide which the petitioner-husband has been directed to pay maintenance of Rs.25,000.00 per month to the respondent-wife.

(2.) Brief facts of the case are that the marriage between the parties was solemnized on 13/7/2016 at Delhi as per Hindu rites and customs. Eventually, in March 2020, the respondent-wife filed a petition under Sec. 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 [hereafter 'Cr.P.C.'] seeking maintenance, alleging that although her parents had spent about Rs.15.00 lakhs on the marriage, the petitionerhusband and his family had remained dissatisfied with the dowry and had subjected her to continuous harassment, beatings, and demands for an additional Rs.5.00 lakhs and a car. She claimed that on 17/10/2018 she was mercilessly beaten and thrown out of the matrimonial home, and that even when she returned with her brother on 17/2/2019, she was not allowed to enter the house and was abused and threatened. She alleged that the petitioner, who earns about Rs.1,50,000.00 per month from his jeans manufacturing business, had neglected and refused to maintain her; thus, compelling her to seek maintenance of Rs.75,000.00 per month.

(3.) The petitioner-husband, in his reply, denied all allegations of cruelty, dowry demands, etc. He contended that it was the respondent-wife who had voluntarily deserted the matrimonial home, that no dowry of Rs.15.00 lakhs was ever given, and that neither he nor his family members demanded money or a car. He further alleged that the respondent was unwilling to perform her matrimonial obligations and had filed the present petition on false and frivolous grounds. He denied having any liability to pay maintenance as claimed by the respondent.