“You have no other family responsibilities, no children to care for. You want this money solely for yourself. That’s not the intent of Section 24. It’s not a punishment for the husband just because he’s in a dispute with his wife and has to pay Rs 6,16,300. Be reasonable with your demands,” the judge stated
Bengaluru: A Karnataka High Court judge recently reprimanded a woman, Radha Munukuntla, for demanding over Rs 6 lakh per month as maintenance from her husband under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
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During the August 20 hearing, Munukuntla’s lawyer presented a detailed breakdown of her monthly expenses, which included Rs 15,000 for shoes and accessories, Rs 60,000 for food, and Rs 4-5 lakh for medical treatment and physiotherapy. The total demand amounted to Rs 6,16,300 per month.
The judge, visibly surprised by the high amount, questioned the necessity of such expenses for a single woman without family responsibilities. She emphasized that Section 24 was not intended as a means for luxury but to provide basic financial support during matrimonial disputes.
In a firm response, the judge told the lawyer,
“Don’t tell the court that this is what a person requires. Rs 6,16,300 a month! Does anyone spend that much? A single woman for herself. If she wants to spend, she should earn it herself, not rely on her husband.”
“You have no other family responsibilities, no children to care for. You want this money solely for yourself. That’s not the intent of Section 24. It’s not a punishment for the husband just because he’s in a dispute with his wife and has to pay Rs 6,16,300. Be reasonable with your demands,”
the judge further stated.
The judge warned that unless the demands were revised to a more reasonable level, the plea could be dismissed. A video of the judge’s stern remarks during the hearing has since gone viral on social media.
Under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, interim maintenance can be granted to a dependent spouse during ongoing legal proceedings if they lack sufficient independent income.
