Pune Family Court Denies Divorce and Spousal Maintenance to Working Wife; Orders Father to Pay Rs 10,000 Monthly for Child

Pune, 24th January 2026: The Family Court No. 2, Pune, has dismissed a wife’s petition for divorce and rejected her claim for personal maintenance after noting that she is highly qualified and employed at a major IT firm. However, the court ruled that the father must contribute towards the upbringing of their minor son, ordering him to pay ₹10,000 per month.

The common judgment was delivered on December 22, 2025, by Judge K.V. Thakur. Advocate Yogendra Kumar and Advocate Arun Longani represented the respondent (husband).

Case Background

The petitioner, a 29-year-old woman from Vadgaonsheri, Pune, had filed for divorce against her husband, a 34-year-old man from Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), on the grounds of cruelty. She also filed a separate petition demanding maintenance for herself and their son.

The couple married on July 29, 2020, in Ahmednagar. The petitioner alleged that shortly after the marriage, her husband and in-laws harassed her for a monetary demand of ₹3 lakhs. She further alleged that her husband was addicted to alcohol, physically assaulted her even during her pregnancy, and had an illicit relationship with a relative.

The respondent husband, who works in flex printing and as an estate agent, denied all allegations. He contended that his wife had a quarrelsome nature and had left the matrimonial home without valid reason. He claimed he had made multiple attempts to reconcile, which she refused.

Court’s Observations on Divorce

Judge K.V. Thakur dismissed the divorce petition, stating that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations of cruelty. The court observed that the disputes appeared to be normal wear and tear of married life rather than severe cruelty.

Regarding the allegations of an illicit relationship and dowry harassment, the court found the evidence provided by the wife—including the testimony of her brother—insufficient and unconvincing. Consequently, the court ruled that the wife was not entitled to a decree of divorce.

Ruling on Maintenance

Regarding the maintenance claim, the court noted that the wife is highly qualified (B.Sc. in Maths) and employed at an IT company, drawing a salary of approximately ₹28,000 per month in 2022.

The court observed: “Considering her experience now, definitely she may be getting more amount… it cannot be said that she is not able to maintain herself.”

Citing her ability to support herself, the court rejected her personal claim for maintenance.

Child Support Ordered

However, the court emphasized that maintaining a child is the “equal responsibility of both parents.” While the mother is earning, the father cannot be absolved of his duties.

The court ordered the man to pay Rs 10,000 per month towards the maintenance of his son, with a 10% annual increase. He was also directed to pay Rs 5,000 towards the cost of the application.