On 25 August 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that a husband who has the financial capacity to support his wife is legally and morally obligated to maintain her as long as she is alive. Justice Shalini Singh Nagpal made this observation while upholding a family court’s order directing an 86-year-old Army veteran to pay a monthly interim maintenance of ₹15,000 to his 77-year-old wife.

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana stated that while the husband is of advanced age, the same applies to his wife, who is unable to support herself.

“It is not a valid argument that she can seek support & maintenance from her sons.

 The husband, who has the financial capacity and income to support his wife, is bound by law and morality to maintain her wife as long as she is alive. It is important to note that the respondent-wife is not gainfully employed and cannot support herself. She needs protection from a life of destitution.”

The counsel representing the octogenarian challenged the family court’s order issued in Narnaul on April 30. He argued that the husband is paralyzed and helpless, and that his wife is being looked after by her sons, who refuse to care for him.

It was also stated that the family court had determined the interim maintenance of ₹15,000 per month based on the husband’s pension of ₹42,750 and possess land in the village. However, a certificate from the village sarpanch was presented to the Court, indicating that the husband was physically unable to walk or move, and that all his land and property were in the possession of his son.

Taking into account the couple’s standard of living, the basic needs of the wife, and the income of the husband, the court concluded that the maintenance amount of ₹15,000, along with ₹11,000 towards litigation costs, was reasonable and justified. By upholding the family court’s ruling, the High Court reinforced the principle that maintenance is not just a statutory obligation but also a moral duty within Indian family life.