If my wife claims interim maintenance while the divorce case is ongoing, what legal defenses can I use to reduce or deny it?

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You can oppose or reduce interim maintenance by presenting these legal defenses:

  1. Independent Income: Prove that your wife is employed or has sufficient income or assets to support herself.
  2. Your Financial Limitations: Show your own genuine income, expenses, and dependents to prove you can’t afford a higher amount.
  3. Unjustified Desertion: Argue that she left the matrimonial home without reasonable cause, which weakens her maintenance claim.
  4. Adultery: If she is living in adultery, she’s not entitled to maintenance under law.
  5. False or Concealed Information: Point out if she has hidden her real earnings, property, or other financial support.
  6. Interim Relief Already Granted: If she’s already receiving maintenance under another proceeding (like DV Act or Section 125 CrPC), you can argue against duplication.