Bombay High Court Denies Interim Maintenance to US-Based Woman; Here's Why

The Bombay High Court has refused to grant interim maintenance to a woman residing in New Jersey, United States, after observing that her income exceeds that of her estranged husband and noting that his position in the IT sector faces potential risks from artificial intelligence. A division bench comprising Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande dismissed the woman’s plea seeking INR 1 lakh per month as interim maintenance. The court emphasised that a higher cost of living abroad cannot serve as an independent ground to claim spousal support when the applicant is financially self-sufficient.

Financial Standing and Background

The petitioner has lived in the United States since 2011 and is employed with New Jersey-based IT solutions provider Mark Infotech. According to court records, she draws a gross monthly salary of USD 8,700 (approximately INR 8 lakh), an amount higher than the earnings of her husband, who also works in the information technology sector. Bombay High Court Quashes Voyeurism FIR, Says ‘Staring at Colleague’s Chest Not Section 354C Offence’.

The legal dispute stems from an ongoing challenge against a family court order. While a family court previously rejected her application for monthly maintenance, it had directed the husband to pay INR 25,000 toward litigation expenses. Regarding family arrangements, the elder child remains in the father's custody, while the younger child lives with the mother.

Court Observations on IT Industry and AI

In evaluating the case, the bench assessed the comparative financial landscape and job security of both parties. The judges noted that increasing competition within the global technology sector and the expanding integration of artificial intelligence present continuous uncertainties for the husband's employment status. “Although she has stated that there is no disposable surplus income due to various expenses which are required to be incurred by her, we do not find any favour in her reason for claiming interim maintenance from the husband,” the bench observed. Why You Should Stop Blaming the BMC for Mumbai Floods, According to the Bombay High Court.

The court further stated: “Her only excuse is that she is living under extreme financial strain due to exorbitant cost of living abroad. In our view, this cannot be a ground for claiming interim maintenance during the pendency of the Family Court Appeal.”

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

Men's Helpline Numbers:

Milaap: 9990588768; All India Men Helpline: 9911666498; Men Welfare Trust: 8882498498.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2026 11:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).