The Karnataka High Court has clarified that courts are not required to order maintenance in cases where the wife earns more than her husband. It has been said that granting maintenance in every case filed under the Domestic Violence Act or other laws is not a proper policy. The court held that if the wife is able to manage her own livelihood, it is not fair to put the financial burden on the husband. The court suggested that a decision on maintenance should be taken only after a thorough examination of factors such as whether the wife has additional responsibilities such as child care, how much her income is and what is the financial condition of the husband.

Maintenance not mandatory if wife’s income is higher: Karnataka High Court
The Karnataka High Court has clarified that courts are not required to order maintenance in cases where the wife earns more than her husband. It has been said that granting maintenance in every case filed under the Domestic Violence Act or other laws is not a proper policy. The court held that if the wife is able to manage her own livelihood, it is not fair to put the financial burden on the husband. The court suggested that a decision on maintenance should be taken only after a thorough examination of factors such as whether the wife has additional responsibilities such as child care, how much her income is and what is the financial condition of the husband.

