Any party to a suit or other proceeding may show that any judgment, order or decree which is relevant under section 34, 35 or 36, and which has been proved by the adverse party, was delivered by a Court not competent to deliver it, or was obtained by fraud or collusion.
Author: ShadesOfKnife
Alagarsamy Vs Mangalasundari and Anr on 20 Nov 2025
A single judge of Madras High Court at Madurai Bench held as follows,
From Para 16,
16. However, the learned Magistrate’s order is devoid of any specific reference to the section under which the warrant was issued. The expression “distress warrant” under Section 125(3) and “distraint warrant” under Section 128 have distinct connotations. The former is punitive, providing for imprisonment up to one month, per month of default, while the latter is civil-enforcement-oriented, meant to attach property to recover arrears. The confusion between the two renders the order susceptible to ambiguity.
From Para 20,
20. In the instant case, though the petitioner’s persistent default is established, the record does not show that the learned Magistrate considered or issued a bailable warrant before resorting to NBW. The impugned order also lacks any recorded satisfaction as to why the petitioner’s appearance could not be secured otherwise. That apart, the respondent wife herein had made the application for arrears of maintenance for a period of 22 months, which obviously would throw light on the fact that, the application has not been filed within a period of one year and hence, in an application filed beyond a period of one year, the learned Judicial Magistrate ought to have dealt with as mandated under Section 128 of Cr.P.C., 1973, and should have issued a distraint warrant and not a distress warrant.
From Para 22,
22. Hence, while the issuance of NBW without recording reasons is procedurally defective, the learned Magistrate’s power to enforce maintenance cannot be doubted. The proper course would have been to issue a bailable warrant first, or to issue a distraint warrant under Section 128 Cr.P.C., 1973, for attachment of property, before considering arrest.
From Para 28,
28. This case underscores the need for the learned Trial Courts to distinctly record under which provision warrants are issued, whether punitive under Section 125(3) or coercive under Section 128, and to follow the statutory sequence under Section 87 Cr.P.C., 1973, before resorting to non-bailable warrants.
Citations:
Other Sources:
Index of Maintenance judgments u/s 144 Cr.P.C. is here.
Jinesh CR Vs Aswathy PR on 19 Nov 2025
A single judge of Kerala High Court held that the level or standard of prove for adultery is just preponderance of probability under Sec 144 BNSS case (being a civil proceeding) but not that of Proof beyond reasonable doubt which may be applicable in a criminal case.
From Para 5,
5. Section 125 of Cr.P.C. (Section 144 of BNSS) states that a husband with sufficient means is liable to provide maintenance to his wife who cannot support herself. However, the wife’s right to claim maintenance is not absolute. Sub-Section (4) of Section 125 (Section 144(4) of BNSS) clearly specifies that a wife living in adultery is not entitled to claim maintenance. The dictum laid down in all the decisions cited by the learned counsel for the petitioner and referenced earlier is that a single instance of adulterous conduct is not enough to disqualify a wife from claiming maintenance; rather, there must be evidence of continuous adulterous behaviour. In brief, there should be proof that the wife is habitually engaging in an adulterous life with the partner to invoke the provisions of subsection (4) of Section 125 of Cr.P.C. This legal principle is well settled. The key issue, however, is that when a husband defends proceedings under Section 125 of Cr.P.C. (Section 144 of BNSS) by claiming that the wife is living in adultery, what level of proof is required to establish that the wife is indeed living in adultery?
From Para 6,
6. The right claimed by the wife under Section 125 of Cr.P.C. is a civil right. Maintenance proceedings under Section 125 of Cr.P.C. are also civil proceedings, although breach may lead to penal consequences. In criminal cases, the standard of proof is proof beyond a reasonable doubt, whereas in civil cases, the standard is based on the preponderance of probabilities. The concept of proof beyond a reasonable doubt applies only to criminal trials and cannot be used in civil disputes, including matrimonial and maintenance cases. When the husband alleges that the wife is living in adultery and thereby disqualified from claiming maintenance, he is not required to prove the adulterous act beyond a reasonable doubt, as in criminal prosecution under the now-repealed Section 497 of IPC. Instead, proof by preponderance of probabilities is sufficient. Adultery typically occurs in secrecy, making direct proof rare. Consequently, adultery can often be established through circumstantial evidence, provided the circumstances lead logically to that conclusion.
Index of Maintenance Judgments under Sec 144 BNSS is here.
Geddam Jhansi and Anr Vs State of Telangana and Anr on 07 Feb 2025
A division bench of the Supreme Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to quash a DV case, which has same allegations as in a false 498A IPC case.
40. Accordingly, we allow both the present Criminal Appeals as below:
(i) The impugned judgement and order dated 04.04.2022 passed by the Ld. Single Bench of the High Court for the State of Telangana in Criminal Petition No. 3105 of 2022 is set aside and the criminal proceedings in “C.C. No. 46 of 2022” pending before the Court of the Judicial Magistrate, First Class, Bhongir under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is quashed qua the two appellants, Geddam Jhansi and Geddam Sathyakama Jabali.
(ii) The impugned judgement and order dated 03.02.2022 passed by the Ld. Single Bench of the High Court for the State of Telangana in Criminal Petition No. 1002 of 2022 is set aside and the criminal proceedings in DVC No. 25 of 2021 pending before the Court of the Additional Judicial Magistrate, First Class, Bhongir is quashed qua the appellant, Geddam Jhansi. This is having regard to the criminal proceeding against her being quashed as above and as identical allegation (paragraph 28 above) are made against her in DVC No. 25 of 2021, and in exercise of our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India. This is also by bearing in mind the relationship of the appellant Geddam Jhansi to the complainant, being the latters’s mother-in-law’s sister.
Citations: [2025] 3 S.C.R. 1], [2025 INSC 160]
Other Sources:
https://indiankanoon.org/doc/192533816/
https://www.casemine.com/judgement/in/67a6e0c4a1572e13dd1ca525
https://testbook.com/recent-judgements/geddam-jhansi-vs-the-state-of-telangana
https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/s498a-ipc-when-family-relations-are-sought-to-be-brought-under-criminal-proceedings-courts-should-be-cautious-supreme-court-283311
https://www.verdictum.in/court-updates/supreme-court/geddam-jhansi-v-the-state-of-telangana-2025-insc-160-domestic-violence-1567439
https://www.verdictum.in/court-updates/supreme-court/geddam-jhansi-v-the-state-of-telangana-2025-insc-160-domestic-violence-1567439
https://www.verdictum.in/court-updates/supreme-court/geddam-jhansi-v-the-state-of-telangana-2025-insc-160-domestic-violence-1567439
Index of DV Judgments is here. Index of Quash Judgments is here.
MS Gokaldas Paper Products Vs MS Lilliput Kidswear Ltd Anr on 5 Apr 2023
A single judge of Delhi High Court held that acts of Contempt may be purged/remedies but not acts of perjury.
From Paras 7 and 8,
7. This brings us to the next issue i.e., whether Respondents have committed the offence of perjury by making a false statement in the reply to the present petition. In the reply, Respondent No. 2 has categorically denied the liability for Petitioner’s dues, in contrast to his earlier admission. Mr. Nakul Mohta, counsel for Respondent No. 2, argues that the stand taken in the reply was in light of aforementioned facts that came to the knowledge of Respondent No. 2 at a later stage, and for this reason a civil suit was also filed against the Petitioner. Without prejudice, to the above, he contends that a mere contradictory stand taken in a pleading should not on its own invite an action for perjury in exercise of the Court’s discretion provided under Section 340 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 [hereinafter “CrPC, 1973”]. Respondent No. 2, present in-person, explains that his stand was revised on account of fresh information received from his accounts team regarding debit notes that had been raised on the Petitioner for defective supplies. He states that earlier at the time of confirming Petitioner’s dues, he was unaware of the said debit notes and was in fact, hard pressed by multiple legal proceedings which were ongoing. At this juncture, he is willing to tender an unconditional apology to this Court.
8. The Court is unconvinced by the above submissions. Respondent No. 2, initially refuted the liability to pay the Petitioner’s dues, as recorded in order dated 17thDecember, 2012 in CO. PET. 519/2012. Subsequently in the said proceedings, he filed an affidavit in reply in February, 2013 [hereinafter “Affidavit of February, 2013”, provided at Annexure-C] admitting his liability and clarifying that the earlier denial was a bona fide mistake on account of a mix-up of files with a similarly named company. He further undertook to pay Petitioner’s dues in ten equal monthly instalments commencing from 01st April, 2013. Now, faced with the present contempt action he has denied his liability entirely by raising a plea of debit notes and has instead raised a claim on the Petitioner.
From Paras 10-12,
10. In the opinion of the Court, reply to the contempt petition, supported by Respondent No. 2’s affidavit, which denies the liability to pay Petitioner’s dues is plainly false in view of unambiguous and categorical admission made to the contrary, in the Affidavit of February, 2013. The explanation or the change in stand premised on Respondents being burdened by multiple pending litigations, downsizing/ lack of staff and lack of knowledge, is not convincing. In the opinion of the Court, the revised stand in the reply appears to be a wilful false statement. In the Affidavit of February, 2013, Respondent No. 2 verified that he was well-versed with the facts and circumstances of the case and that he is competent to swear the affidavit. He further verified that the statements made therein were true and correct to best of his knowledge. The legal system relies heavily on the honesty and integrity of individuals who appear before courts. When one makes a statement before the court or signs an affidavit, they are making a solemn declaration to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Filing of a false affidavit is a serious offence that undermines the very foundation of the legal system. The subsequent reply and accompanying affidavit prima facie contain false statements made in the course of judicial proceedings, which is punishable under Section 193, 199 and 200 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 [hereinafter, “IPC, 1860”].
11. Respondent No. 2 has offered to tender an unconditional apology. However, in the opinion of the Court, the same is of no avail. Perjury, is the act of knowingly and wilfully making false statements under oath, with the intent to deceive or mislead the court. It is a serious criminal offence, as it strikes at the very heart of the judicial process by undermining the integrity of the evidence presented in Court. The act of contempt can be purged or remedied, by the offending party, but in contrast, perjury cannot. Simply recanting or correcting a false statement cannot undo the act. Affidavits in a court of law have sanctity and cannot be taken casually. Thus, a false statement to the Court has to necessarily invite adverse action. In the present matter, the Court is not concerned as to why the promised schedule of payments has been breached by Respondents. The primary concern is Respondent No. 2’s statement of denying the liability of the dues in face of an earlier unequivocal admission. Such a contradictory stand without any cogent explanation is prima facie a deliberate false statement to mislead the Court and thus an apology by Respondent No. 2 would not deter an action invited for perjury.
12. Accordingly, this Court is prima facie of the view that offences under Sections 191 and 192 of IPC, 1860 punishable under Section 193, 199 and 200 of IPC, 1860 have been committed by Respondent No.2 in relation to the present proceedings. In terms of Section 340(1) of CrPC, 1973 read with Section 195(1)(b)(i) of CrPC, 1973, this Court is of the opinion that it is expedient in the interests of justice that an inquiry should be made into the false statement made by Respondent No. 2 in the reply to the present petition, for which a written complaint should be made to the concerned Metropolitan Magistrate. The Registrar General is hereby directed to draw up and make a complaint in the above terms and send it to the appropriate Metropolitan Magistrate within four weeks. The said complaint will be accompanied by a complete certified copy of the entire file of the present matter and CO. PET. 519/2012.
Index of Perjury Judgments is here.
Rekha Sharad Ushir Vs Saptashrungi Mahila Nagari Sahkari Patsansta Ltd on 26 Mar 2025
A division bench of the Apex Court held (again!) as follows,
From Para 11,
11. It is settled law that a litigant who, while filing proceedings in the court, suppresses material facts or makes a false statement, cannot seek justice from the court. The facts suppressed must be material and relevant to the controversy, which may have a bearing on the decision making. Cases of those litigants who have no regard for the truth and those who indulge in suppressing material facts need to be thrown out of the court.
From Para 15,
15. It is pertinent to note that in the counter to the present appeal, the respondent has not denied the receipt of the letters dated 28th November 2016 and 13th December 2016. The complaint and affidavit in support of the complaint only refer to the notice dated 15th November 2016 issued by the advocate for the appellant to the respondent. What is stated in the complaint reads thus:
“……………………………………………………..
[D] The notice sent on the first address has been received on 15.11.2016. However, from the second address, envelope has been returned on 15.11.2016 with the postal remark as ‘left’.”
However, the respondent suppressed the letters dated 28th November 2016 and 13th December 2016 in the complaint and its statement on oath.
From Para 18 and 19,
18. The fact remains that in the complaint, the respondent has suppressed the reply dated 28th November 2016 and the letter dated 13th December 2016 sent by the appellant’s advocate. These two documents have also been suppressed in the statement on oath. The respondent made out a false case that the appellant did not reply to the demand notice. Moreover, the case that the documents as demanded were supplied is not pleaded in the complaint and statement under Section 200 of CrPC.
19. If these two letters were disclosed in the complaint, the learned Magistrate while recording the statement under Section 200 of CrPC, could have always questioned the respondent on the supply of documents to the appellant. What is important is that in the reply dated 28th November 2016, the appellant had reserved her right to give a reply to the demand notice after receiving the documents. It was the respondent’s duty to supply documents to the appellant or her advocate to enable the appellant to properly reply to the demand notice. At least, the inspection of documents could have been provided to the appellant. After noticing the fact that notwithstanding service of two letters written by the appellant, relied upon documents were not provided to the appellant, the learned Magistrate could have dismissed the complaint by exercising power under Section 203 of CrPC, as the appellant could not have replied to the statutory notice without looking at the documents relied upon.
From Para 21,
21. While filing a complaint under Section 200 of CrPC and recording his statement on oath in support of the complaint, as the complainant suppresses material facts and documents, he cannot be allowed to set criminal law in motion based on the complaint. Setting criminal law in motion by suppressing material facts and documents is nothing but an abuse of the process of law.
Citations: [2025 INSC 399], [2025 SCC OnLine SC641]
Other Sources:
https://indiankanoon.org/doc/120031673/
Index of Perjury Judgments is here.
Sangeeta Gera Vs Sanjeev Gera on 22 Sep 2025
A division bench of Delhi High Court held that, if you put any property in the joint names of wife and husband, other person, who paid nothing, will also get 50% of that said property.
From Para 29-35,
29. The question for consideration is whether the Respondent is entitled to a 50% share in the proceeds of the property held jointly by the parties. In the Order dated 17.01.2020, the Supreme Court made it clear that this question relating to 50% share of the wife will be taken up for consideration at the time of the MAT Appeal (FC) No. 38 of 2019.
30. Learned counsel for the Respondent had contended that the said proceeds have become part of the Respondent‟s stridhan under Section 14 of the HSA and therefore, she has the exclusive ownership over the same. However, a property jointly purchased at the time of marriage cannot be treated as the stridhan of the woman, as stridhan is confined to those properties which are gifted to her voluntarily by her parents, relatives, husband, or in-laws, either before or after the marriage, and which are intended for her exclusive ownership and enjoyment. A jointly acquired property, purchased in the name of both spouses, is by its very nature a joint asset and cannot fall within the ambit of stridhan, since it is not a gift exclusively made to the wife but rather an acquisition contributed to and held by both parties.
31. Normally, when a husband and wife acquire property during the subsistence of marriage, the presumption in law is that such acquisition is made from common family funds and that both spouses have contributed equally, irrespective of whether one of them is earning or not. In the present case, the subject property was purchased in the joint names of the husband and wife, although it is an admitted position that the entire consideration, including the payment of EMIs, was borne solely by the Appellant/Husband. It is further a matter of record that the title of the subject property is held in the names of both spouses as joint owners, and even the account in HSBC Bank, in which the surplus amount was deposited, was maintained in the joint names of the parties.
32. In this regard, a reference may be made to Section 4 of the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 [hereinafter referred to as “Benami Act”], which sets out as follows:-
“4. Prohibition of the right to recover property held benami.—
(1) No suit, claim or action to enforce any right in respect of any property held benami against the person in whose name the property is held or against any other person shall lie by or on behalf of a person claiming to be the real owner of such property.
(2) No defence based on any right in respect of any property held benami, whether against the person in whose name the property is held or against any other person, shall be allowed in any suit, claim or action by or on behalf of a person claiming to be the real owner of such property.”
33. Section 4 creates an absolute bar against the enforcement of rights in respect of property held benami. It stipulates that no person claiming to be the real owner of such property can institute any suit, claim, or action to enforce rights against the benamidar or any other person in whose name the property stands. Equally, it prohibits the raising of any defence in a pending suit, claim, or action on the ground that the property, though standing in the name of another, actually belongs to the real owner. The combined effect of sub-Sections (1) and (2) is that the real owner is entirely disabled from seeking recognition of any right, title, or interest in the benami property, either by way of initiating proceedings or by way of defence.
34. In this backdrop, once the property stands in the joint names of the spouses, the husband cannot be permitted to claim exclusive ownership merely on the ground that he alone provided the purchase consideration. Such a plea would contravene Section 4 of the Benami Act, which imposes an absolute bar against the enforcement of rights in respect of property held benami. The provision clearly stipulates that no person claiming to be the real owner of a property standing in another‟s name can either institute proceedings or raise a defence asserting such ownership. Thus, the combined effect of the presumption of equal ownership between spouses and the statutory prohibition under Section 4 is that the Appellant is prevented from contending that the amount from the sale of the joint property belongs to him alone.
35. Therefore, the Respondent is entitled to a 50% share in the proceeds of the property held jointly by the parties, and the money must be released to her.
Citations: [2025:DHC:8356-DB]
Other Sources:
https://indiankanoon.org/doc/30016714/
https://www.casemine.com/judgement/in/68d2fb6b3a3e913fa6f579c2
https://transfer-pricing.in/t/husband-cannot-claim-exclusive-ownership-of-a-property-jointly-held-by-both-the-spouses-merely-on-the-ground-that-he-alone-paid-the-emis/148
Index of
Ratheesh Vs Sreelakshmi and Ors on 14 Mar 2025
A single judge of Kerala High Court held as follows, Even to dispose Interim Maintenance Applications, call for affidavits.
From Paras 6 and 7,
6. A slew of directions in the form of guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in Rajnesh (supra) and extracted above are mandatory in nature and must be followed in all maintenance cases by all Courts dealing with maintenance throughout the country. The judgment in Rajnesh (supra) was delivered on 04/11/2020 and the guidelines therein have been circulated to all the Courts in India for compliance. After the judgment in Rajnesh (supra) was rendered, the Supreme Court in the judgment in Aditi Alias Mithi v. Jithesh Sharma [(2023) SCC OnLine SC 1451] which was delivered on 06/11/2023 noticed that guidelines in Rajnesh (supra) have not been followed by many courts in the country while fixing the maintenance, either interim or final. The Supreme Court expressed its deep concern in not adhering to the mandatory guidelines given in Rajnesh (supra) so far as the requirement of filing the Affidavit of Disclosure is concerned. Accordingly, the Supreme Court has issued directions to re-circulate a copy of the judgment containing guidelines for expeditious disposal of cases involving grant of maintenance to judicial officers in all High Courts across the country. However, it is quite unfortunate to notice that, despite the specific directions of the Supreme Court in Rajnesh (supra) and Aditi Alias Mithi (supra), various Courts in the State, like in the present one, are passing orders, either interim or final, fixing maintenance, without there being any Affidavit of Disclosure on record filed by the parties. This Court can take judicial notice of the said fact from the number of Original Petitions [(OP(Crl.)] and Revision Petitions [(RP(FC)] filed before this Court challenging the interim as well as final order of maintenance passed without bringing on record the Affidavit of Disclosure of the parties in terms of the directions in Rajnesh (supra).
7. Coming to the facts of the case, admittedly, neither of the parties has filed the disclosure affidavit in terms of the decision rendered by the Apex Court in Rajnesh (supra). However, the Family Court disposed of the interim maintenance application as per the impugned order considering the pleadings. The petitioner herein, while considering the application for interim maintenance, pointed before the Family Court that the 1st respondent did not file the affidavit showing her assets and liabilities. However, the Family Court took the view that since the petitioner himself did not file the affidavit, he could not take up such a contention. Guideline No.72.1(a) in Rajnesh (supra) specifically says that the parties in all maintenance proceedings, including pending proceedings, throughout the country, shall file an Affidavit of Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities before the concerned court as a mandatory requirement. Guideline No.72.2(b) in Rajnesh (supra) makes it mandatory for the applicant making a claim for maintenance to file a concise application accompanied by the Affidavit of Disclosure of Assets. It was further observed that based on the pleadings filed by both parties and the Affidavits of Disclosure, the court would be in a position to make an objective assessment of the approximate amount to be awarded towards maintenance at the interim stage. It is true that guideline No.72.3 says that the respondent also must submit the reply along with the Affidavit of Disclosure within a maximum period of four weeks, and the court may not grant more than two opportunities for submission of the affidavit of Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities to the respondent. But the mere fact that the petitioner herein did not file an Affidavit of Disclosure as directed in Rajnesh (supra) would not absolve the 1st respondent from filing such an affidavit. Since the impugned order is passed without the affidavits of both parties, it cannot be sustained and is liable to be set aside. The matter is required to be remitted back for fresh consideration in accordance with the law by complying with the directions in Rajnesh (supra). The counsel for the 1st respondent submitted that the 1st respondent has now filed an Affidavit of Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities before the Family Court.
Citations: [2025:KER:22087]
Other Sources:
Index of Maintenance Judgments u/s 144 BNSS is here.
Srinivasa D Vs Asha on 20 Mar 2025
A wonderful judgment from a single judge of Karnataka High Court, Bengaluru bench, acknowledging that litigants lie in their income affidavit and directing the Family Courts to initiate perjury proceedings in accordance with law.
From Paras 10 to 13,
10. Time and again, it is seen by this Court that in several matters, the parties deliberately do not disclose their correct income, avocation, details of assets and liabilities with an intent to portray lesser income and secure favourable order by misleading and misguiding the Court, which is highly deplorable. In the present case, the respondent has deliberately suppressed the materials, which was well within her knowledge and played mischief and mislead the Court to get a favourable order. The sanctity of the Court and its orders would necessarily have to be respected by all the parties to the proceedings and so also by the learned counsel representing the parties.
11. This Court hopes and trusts that the learned counsels representing the parties advise their respective parties with regard to seriousness and sanctity of the Court orders and also be aware themselves of the sanctity of the Court orders and warn their clients/parties with regard to legal consequences of misleading, misrepresenting, filing false affidavit and adducing false statements on oath by way of oral and documentary evidence.
12. In view of several instances where parties are careless and deliberately making false statements on oath and filing false affidavits, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the Family Court/Trial Court dealing with such matters to initiate suitable action in accordance with law so that careless filing of affidavits and casual approach before the Court while filing assets and liabilities in the form of affidavits and adducing evidence before the Court is curbed and the person at fault is penalized by appropriate action of the Court.
13. At this stage, this Court deems it appropriate to issue following guidelines and directions to Family Courts and trial Courts dealing in maintenance applications:
a) Family Courts/Trial Courts dealing in maintenance applications shall insist on filing assets and liabilities and expenses as per the judgment in the case of Rajnesh -vs- Neha and another reported in (2021)2 SCC 324.
b) If an application is filed to summon salary details or other source of income by either spouse, the same shall be considered favourably, in the interest of justice.
c) If the Family Courts/Trial Courts are of the opinion that the salary certificates/details and particulars of other source of income are required to decide the maintenance application, it shall do so by passing suo motu orders for the same from either or both spouses.
d) In case of false Affidavits filed on oath and false information given deliberately to mislead and secure favourable orders by such information, the defaulting party shall be liable to face legal consequences in accordance to law.
e) Any such maintenance secured by way of such misleading and false/wrong information, shall be ordered to be refunded to the aggrieved party.
f) Maintenance applications both interim and main shall be decided expeditiously.
g) These Guidelines shall be strictly followed and adhered.
Citations: [2025:KHC:11787]
Other Sources:
Index of Maintenance Judgments u/s 144 BNSS is here. Index of DV Judgments is here.
Vinod Kumar K Vs Chaitra N on 3 Apr 2025
A good judgment from a single judge of Karnataka High Court, Bengaluru bench, refusing maintenance to a lying wife and directing to initiate perjury proceedings in accordance with law.
From Paras 7 to 11,
7. As per the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Rajnesh stated supra, in all the maintenance petitions, parties are duty bound to file assets and liabilities and disclose their true income, avocation, employment and so also details of income, assets and liabilities of the other spouse. In the present case, petitioner – husband has filed assets and liabilities showing the details of his employment, income etc., It is also stated about job of the respondent and what is the income drawn by the respondent – wife. On the contrary, respondent – wife though filed assets and liabilities for the 2nd time on 8.11.2022, very cleverly and intentionally suppressed fact of her employment as a Guest Teacher in Government Junior Primary School and income she is getting from the said employment. Nothing prevented the respondent from saying so in the affidavit of assets and she was not asked by her counsel with regard to disclosing her employment and the income and if it was brought to her notice and knowledge, she would have definitely disclosed the same in the affidavit. The fact that she has sought for unconditional apology itself apparently clear that she has suppressed the true facts before the Court. This kind of suppression of material before the Court with deliberate intention to mislead the Court to obtain a favourable order in the maintenance cases is deplorable and cannot be accepted. Fortunately, the petitioner is able to secure certain information under the RTI Act, due to which Court came to know with regard to employment of the respondent, otherwise, it would not have come to the notice of the Court. Such attitude and behaviour of the respondent before the Court is deplorable and cannot be accepted.
8. In the present case on hand, the income generated by the respondent – wife during her employment as a Guest Teacher was around Rs.10,000/- to Rs.15,000/-, which is not clearly stated. If the average is taken, it is Rs.12,500/- per month. Whereas, the petitioner – husband is earning Rs.47,240/- and after deduction getting Rs.21,000/- per month.
9. In view of the discussion made hereinabove, it is apparently clear that the respondent – wife was working and capable of working and earning as on the date of filing 2nd affidavit of assets and liabilities before the Family Court. It is not the case of the respondent that she is unable to work and incapable to earn income and therefore to be maintained by the petitioner. It is also stated that there are no children from the marriage. Considering the totality of facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is of the opinion that the respondent – wife would not be entitled to maintenance.
10. The intent of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Rajnesh stated supra is to render justice to the parties on the basis of self declaration of assets and liabilities including income and occupation. But, it is seen that in most of the cases, there is deliberate suppression of facts only with an intention to secure favourable order. In view of several instances where parties are careless and deliberately making false statements on oath and filing false affidavits, this Court in RPFC No.24/2023 decided on 20th March 2025 directed the Family Court/Trial Court dealing with such matters to initiate suitable action in accordance with law so that careless filing of affidavits and casual approach before the Court while filing assets and liabilities in the form of affidavits and adducing evidence before the Court is curbed and the person at fault is penalized by appropriate action of the Court. This Court issued certain guidelines and directions to the Family Courts/Trial Courts dealing in maintenance applications. Accordingly, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the Family Court to initiate suitable action against the respondent – wife after affording reasonable opportunity
to both the parties.
11. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance of the order of the Family Court, petitioner has deposited Rs.25,000/- in the execution proceedings. In view of the respondent – wife having suppressed the material facts of her employment and income and this Court coming to the conclusion that the respondent – wife would not be entitled for maintenance, I deem it appropriate to direct the respondent – wife to refund the said amount of Rs.25,000/- to the petitioner – husband.
Citations: [2025:KHC:14149]
Other Sources:
https://www.casemine.com/judgement/in/67eef65cd50c1c738ee6dd37
Index of Maintenance Judgments u/s 144 BNSS is here.
