Husband Must Support Wife and Children Even Through Physical Labour - Court

The Delhi High Court has observed that a husband cannot escape his legal responsibility to maintain his wife and children by claiming lack of regular income or by arguing that his wife is educated. Justice Saurabh Banerjee made the remarks while dismissing a petition challenging a Family Court order directing a man to pay monthly maintenance to his wife and two minor daughters.

The court stated that it is the “sacrosanct duty” of an able-bodied husband to support his family financially and noted that he must earn “even through physical labour” if necessary. The High Court upheld the Family Court’s order directing the husband to pay ₹11,000 each per month to his wife and two daughters, rejecting his claims of financial hardship and health issues.