HARI PAUL SINGH Vs. ROOPINA SANGHA SIDHU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Five demand drafts for Rs. 2,28,000/- have been handed over by counsel for the petitioner to counsel for the respondent towards maintenance expenses at the rate of Rs. 6,000/- per month for the period March 20, 2003 to May 20, 2006. The money has been accepted by counsel for the respondent, without prejudice to her rights in the pending litigation.

(2.) Heard. It is apparent from the records that in a pending application for divorce, filed by the petitioner, the respondent-wife was granted interim maintenance at the rate of Rs. 13,000/- per month which includes maintenance for the child. She was also granted Rs. 30,000/- towards litigation expenses. When this revision petition came up for hearing, operation of the order, referred to above, was stayed vide order dated November 17, 2003. Thereafter, matter was admitted and interim order was modified to the extent that the petitioner shall pay Rs. 6,000/- per month to the respondent, towards maintenance of the child. The petitioner was directed to deposit the said amount within three months from the date of order, referred to above. The said amount has been paid in Court today, as mentioned above.

(3.) It is not in dispute that the respondent-wife, even at present, is residing in U.S.A. and is getting advanced education in medicine in Henry Ford Hospital and Medical Centre, Detroit, Michigan (USA). As per certificate Annexure P-7, she is getting stipend of 37,149/- US dollars per annum. Keeping in view the said fact, this Court feels that the amount awarded towards maintenance, by the Court below is on the higher side. The respondent-wife, in fact, was not entitled to claim any maintenance. Vide interim order dated March 3, 2006, this Court has fixed Rs. 6,000/- per month towards maintenance of the child, keeping in view status of the petitioner, who is a Doctor and is earning about Rs. 25,000/- per month, this Court feels that amount awarded is reasonable and justified.