Equality can’t be selective, both earning partners must contribute to lifestyle cost: HC

Bombay High Court halved interim monthly maintenance from ₹50,000 to ₹25,000 for an estranged husband.

Justice M M Sathaye ruled that both earning partners must contribute to lifestyle costs; equality cannot be claimed selectively.

The husband lost his job during Covid-19 and moved to Baihar, Madhya Pradesh, but continued paying EMIs for flats in Andheri and Panvel.

The wife lives in the Andheri flat without paying EMIs; the court noted the husband's EMI payments as a reason for reduced maintenance.

The husband was directed to clear maintenance arrears since 2021 within 12 weeks.