SAKINA Vs. SALIM KHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) PETITIONERS have filed this revision petition against the order dated 3.8.1992, passed by learned Sessions Judge, Chamba Division at Chamba. By means of impugned order maintenance granted in favour of the petitioner No. 1 was set aside, whereas maintenance granted to minor daughter Razina Begum of parties viz. Salim Khan and Sakina in the sum of Rs. 100/ p.m. has been upheld. This petition has been filed by both mother and daughter (hereinafter referred to as the 'petitioners') for grant of maintenance to mother by setting aside the impugned order to that extent and by modifying the same and thus enhancing the amount of compensation awarded from Rs. 100/ p.m. to Rs. 200/ p.m. to minor daughter Razina Begum.

(2.) IN order to understand the case in its right perspective, a few facts need to be noticed which are to the following effect: Salim Khan and Sakina were admittedly husband and wife and they had three children from their wedlock. One is admittedly dead, another is with the husband whereas Razina Begum minor daughter is admittedly residing with the wife. As per case of the claimants, respondent is employed as a driver in Baira Suil Project and was drawing Rs. 2,000/ p.m. from such employment and since he has neglected and has also refused to maintain both the petitioners, as such maintenance under Section 125, Cr.P.C. in the sum of Rs. 800/ p.m. was claimed. Respondent while admitting that claimant No. 2 is his daughter born from his marriage with claimant No. 1, he denied that claimant No. 1 still continues to be his wife. As per case set up by respondent, divorce has taken place between him and claimant No. 1 his wife and thus as per provisions of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, she was not entitled for the grant of any maintenance.

(3.) IT is in the aforesaid background that Talak Nama (divorce deed) Ex. RW2/ A has to be examined in the present case. There is positive evidence on record to show that divorce deed was executed between petitioner No. 1 wife and respondent husband and scribe of this divorce deed Ex. RW2/A was Raj Deen (RW 2) who was Pardhan of Anjuman Islamia, Churah. Although in his cross examination the witness has stated that Sakina wife did not put her thumb impression in the presence of the witnesses, yet that by itself would not make the execution of Ex. RW2/A as non est. This statement coupled with the statement of respondent husband clearly establishes that matrimonial bond between the husband and wife had been dissolved by a deed of divorce and the same stands duly proved in accordance with law.