Court orders husband to give monthly maintenance of Rs 50,000 for wife, her three rottweiler dogs

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Mumbai emphasized the importance of pets in human well-being while addressing a domestic violence case. The court directed a businessman to provide interim monthly maintenance of Rs 50,000 to his 55-year-old estranged wife, considering the emotional support provided by her three Rottweiler dogs. The woman sought interim maintenance after filing a domestic violence case against her husband of 34 years.

She explained that she had no source of income, was ill, and solely depended on her husband for survival, including the care of her beloved Rottweiler dogs. Metropolitan Magistrate Komalsing Rajput dismissed the husband's argument that maintenance for the dogs should not be considered. The court acknowledged the admitted facts of separation and the woman's financial dependency on her husband, which led to economic violence.

Refuting the husband's claim of business losses, the magistrate emphasized that the couple came from a good financial background, warranting proper maintenance for the woman, considering her lifestyle and requirements. The woman, who had two daughters with her husband, stated that differences arose in 2021, leading him to send her from their previous city of residence to Mumbai. Despite promises of maintenance and basic necessities, the husband failed to fulfill them, as stated in her court submissions.

The woman's lawyer highlighted various acts of domestic violence during their married life. Seeking interim maintenance of Rs 70,000, she explained the dire need for financial support. On the other hand, the husband denied causing any domestic violence and asserted that the woman left home voluntarily, without any fault of his.