Punjab and Haryana High Court Overturns Family Court’s Interim Maintenance Order of ₹3,000 and Legal Fees for Estranged Wife

Punjab and Haryana High Court rejects wife's maintenance plea over social media evidence of adultery

In a major ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed a family court order requiring the husband to pay interim maintenance of Rs. 3000 rupees per month and one-time legal fee of 1000 rupees. 10,000 to his estranged wife.

The High Court’s ruling was largely based on evidence on social media that suggested the wife was living with another man and involved in adultery.

The husband filed a petition challenging the decision of the Family Court, claiming that the wife had deserted him and entered into a relationship with another person.

He presented compelling evidence, including social media posts and photos, which he claimed proved his wife’s infidelity. The court acknowledged the possibility that digital evidence could be manipulated, but stressed that the material could not be dismissed outright on this basis.

In reviewing the evidence, the court noted that the wife failed to clarify the nature of their relationship and her status as cohabitant with another man.

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“Social life involves extremely public engagement on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp. Social network footprints, including photos and text exchanges, can be considered for evidentiary purposes,” Justice Sumit Goyal said.

The court also noted that direct evidence is often difficult to obtain and that “all acts of adultery can be perceived, deciphered and established by diminishing observation in context”.

Ultimately, the High Court ruled that the wife was not entitled to alimony or costs and held that the husband should not be unduly burdened by his wife’s misconduct. “In any or all circumstances,” the court declared, “the husband should not be deemed to be burdened with financial responsibilities simply because he is a man.”

Legal analysts believe the decision could set a precedent that encourages individuals to take a closer look at social media behavior when dealing with marital disputes. Family lawyer Neha Singh said: “This case highlights the need for individuals to understand their digital footprint.”

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