In a landmark ruling that serves as a stern warning to those attempting to evade family responsibilities, a Singapore family court has ordered a Canadian senior executive to pay nearly ₹4 crore (S$634,000) in backdated maintenance.
The man, who previously earned over ₹6 crore annually, resigned from his high-paying role shortly after his estranged wife sought financial support for herself and their four children.
This case highlights the legal principle that “earning capacity” matters just as much as current income when determining child and spousal support. Despite the man’s move across the globe, the judiciary ensured that his financial obligations remained intact.
Man Quits ₹6 Cr Job
According to the Straits Times, the couple, both Canadian nationals, moved to Singapore in 2013. The husband served as a senior executive at a multinational firm, enjoying generous expatriate terms with an annual income exceeding S$860,000 (approximately ₹6 crore). Meanwhile, his wife remained a homemaker, caring for their four children who attended international schools.
The family dynamic shifted in August 2023 when the man moved out of the matrimonial home to live with another woman. Following the separation, he initially offered a monthly support package of S$20,000 (₹15.5 lakh) plus school fees and rent. However, this offer was later drastically reduced to S$11,000 (₹8 lakh), prompting the wife to file a formal application for maintenance under the Women’s Charter in October 2023.
Strategic Evasion?
Just days after the maintenance application was filed, the man resigned from his position, despite having the option to remain in the role until July 2024. He subsequently left Singapore in January 2024 and returned to Canada, a move that caused legal proceedings to stall.
The court noted several key points regarding his departure:
- Irresponsible Resignation: District Judge Phang Hsiao Chung stated that a responsible father should secure a new role before resigning to ensure continued support for his family.
- Arrest Warrant: Because the man failed to attend a court hearing in early 2024, an arrest warrant was issued against him, which was only lifted after he attended a session via Zoom in December 2024.
- Rejection of “Smear Campaign” Claims: The man argued he was “compelled to leave” due to rumors spread by his wife, but the court found no evidence that his employer intended to fire him.
Court’s Financial Verdict
The judge ruled that the man’s earning capacity remained tied to his high Singapore salary until he secured new employment in Canada in October 2024. Consequently, the court ordered a substantial financial settlement to cover the family’s needs.
Lifestyle Clashes
During the proceedings, the husband’s legal team criticized the wife’s high spending, citing expenses for Formula One tickets, cosmetic treatments, and luxury holidays. He argued the family should relocate to Canada where healthcare and education are free.
The wife countered that she wished to maintain the high standard of living the children had grown accustomed to in Singapore. While the judge agreed the wife must eventually find employment to support her lifestyle, he maintained that the father cannot simply walk away from his primary financial duties.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case underscores the necessity of accountability in family transitions. We believe that personal disputes should never compromise the well-being of children. Choosing to abandon professional stability solely to diminish a partner’s support is a breach of empathy and social responsibility.
Harmony in society is built on the foundation of kindness and fulfilling one’s commitments. True progress occurs when individuals prioritize dialogue and the future of their family over temporary personal gain or spite.
