The Madhya Pradesh High Court rules that a husband has a duty to support his wife’s education, emphasizing marital equality and empowerment. This landmark judgment reinforces that marriage includes mutual growth, not just financial responsibility.
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INDORE: In a judgment emphasizing equality and empowerment in marriage, the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently allowed a wife’s maintenance claim while stressing the husband’s duty to support her education. The ruling underscores that marital responsibility extends beyond mere financial support and includes facilitating the personal and professional growth of one’s spouse.
Case Background
The dispute arose between a couple married in 2018. The wife applied to maintenance the same year, alleging cruelty, neglect of maintenance, and her inability to sustain herself. She sought ₹25,000 per month, citing that she had been ousted from the matrimonial home and had been subjected to dowry-related harassment.
The husband contested the claim, arguing that there was no dowry demand and that the wife, a qualified doctor, was capable of earning independently. He stated that she had lived separately without sufficient cause and highlighted his own responsibilities towards his elderly, ailing parents.
Court Proceedings
The Trial Court initially rejected the wife’s application for maintenance, apparently on the basis that she could support herself. However, the wife challenged this decision in a revision petition.
The husband’s argument rested on the claim that the wife’s registration renewal as a medical practitioner implied she was employed and earning. However, during cross-examination, it was revealed that her prior work as a Homeopathic practitioner was temporary, limited to the COVID-19 period, and had ended on April 1, 2022. She was currently pursuing further education to enhance her professional skills.
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Observations by the Court
The Division Bench of Justices Vivek Agarwal and Avanindra Kumar Singh overturned the Trial Court’s order. The Court made several important observations:
- Marital Equality Includes Personal Development: The Court highlighted that equality in marriage does not mean the development of only one spouse while restricting the other. The husband’s duty towards his wife includes supporting her education and empowering her professionally.
- Financial Support for Education: Even though the husband supports his elderly parents, this cannot come at the expense of ignoring his wife’s needs. The Court emphasized that facilitating the wife’s education is part of marital duty.
- Section 125 of the CrPC: The Court pointed out that the Trial Court’s finding—that the wife was living separately without cause was contrary to the evidence and misunderstood the provisions of Section 125(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which protects the maintenance rights of dependent spouses.
- Future Modification Possible: The Court clarified that if the wife completes her course and secures employment, or if circumstances change, she may seek modification of the maintenance order under the relevant provisions of the law.
The High Court allowed the wife’s maintenance claim, reinforcing the idea that marriage is a partnership where both parties have a duty to support each other’s growth—not just financially, but also intellectually and professionally.
Appearance:
For the petitioner: Advocate Pragya Swami
For the respondent [R-1]: Advocate Nipun Choudhary
Case Title:
VAISHALI Versus SUNIL SONAR
CRIMINAL REVISION No. 793 of 2025
READ ORDER
