A man from Panipat, Kunal, who married Komal Goswami against her family’s wishes, was brutally assaulted in Ganaur, Sonipat, allegedly by his wife’s father, uncle, and their associates. The attack, which left Kunal with multiple fractures in his arms and legs, reportedly took place after he posted photos of their wedding on social media, provoking anger from Komal’s family who had arranged her second marriage elsewhere.
Kunal and Komal had been married since June 26, 2024, but after living together only a few months, Komal left the matrimonial home and lodged a complaint accusing Kunal of assault, demanding Rs 30,000 per month in maintenance-more than double Kunal’s declared monthly salary of Rs 12,000.
Kunal denies the assault allegations and argues that he cannot afford such a high sum. Police have registered cases against the accused and are investigating the incident, with the next court hearing scheduled for October 25, 2025.
Financial Dispute and Legal Proceedings
The wife’s demand for Rs 30,000 per month in maintenance starkly contrasts with the husband’s reported monthly earnings of Rs 12,000, making it a central issue in the dispute. Local police have confirmed the registration of the complaint and that they are investigating the allegations of assault.
An officer stated, “Both parties will be heard and evidence evaluated before any conclusions.” Maintenance laws under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code mandate support based on the payer’s real financial capacity, and excessive claims often face judicial scrutiny.
Recent Supreme Court rulings emphasize setting maintenance amounts that sustain a standard of living aligned with the husband’s income and the marriage’s duration, discouraging unrealistic financial demands.
Background and Broader Legal Context
Neighbours report the couple had frequent disputes before the wife left the home. This case represents a microcosm of broader legal challenges in matrimonial disputes in India, where the judiciary tries to balance the protection of vulnerable spouses-often women dependent financially-while preventing exploitation of maintenance laws by disproportionately large claims.
Courts increasingly consider factors such as the husband’s income, property, lifestyle, and the wife’s genuine needs, consistent with the progressive legal trend to ensure maintenance orders are fair and just. Notably, the Allahabad High Court and other courts have recently stressed swift resolution of maintenance cases to avoid undue hardship on petitioners, especially women facing economic instability.
Recent Legal Developments in Maintenance Law
Recent rulings by the Supreme Court and High Courts show a tightening of parameters around alimony and maintenance. For instance, the Supreme Court increased alimony awards in certain cases substantially but emphasized regular revisits to align payments realistically with financial circumstances.
Courts have also established strict timelines (often six months) for disposing of maintenance cases to reduce prolonged legal battles for financially vulnerable spouses. Additionally, courts now recognise interim maintenance to provide temporary relief while cases proceed.
Importantly, legal principles affirm that maintenance should preserve a reasonable lifestyle reflective of the marriage duration and the payer’s capacity, not serve as punitive or excessive financial burdens.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case underscores the sensitive nature of marital disputes where financial support and allegations of abuse intersect. The Logical Indian advocates for fair and transparent legal processes rooted in empathy, patience, and dialogue.
It is crucial to protect the dignity and safety of all parties involved while ensuring that financial demands are realistic and reflect genuine need and capacity. Legal systems must prioritise swift, compassionate resolutions that balance protection and accountability.
