PRITAM SINGH Vs. AJAIB KAUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This order of mine will dispose of Civil Revision No.3539 of 1991 filed by the husband, petitioner, against the order of Addl. Senior Sub Judge allowing maintenance pendente lite at the rate of Rs. 300/- per month, and Rs. 500/- as litigation expenses to the respondent-wife. Civil Revision No.3890 of 1991 has been filed by the wife for the enhancement of maintenance pendente lite and litigation expenses.

(2.) The trial Court on the basis of affidavits filed in support of the application under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (Briefly, 'The Act'), allowed Rs. 500/- as litigation expenses and Rs. 300/- per month as maintenance pendente lite to the wife.

(3.) After hearing learned counsel for the parties, I am of the view that the amount awarded by the trial Court is too meagre particularly when the petitioner-husband owns land measuring 30 bighas. It is not disputed before me that the respondent-wife has no means of livelihood. In this view of the matter, I find that the order of the trial Court is liable to be modified to the extent that the wife shall be entitled to maintenance pendente lite at the rate of Rs. 400/- per month from the date of application under Section 24 of the Act, and Rs. 1,000/- as litigation expenses.