Wives tend to exaggerate claims in matrimonial disputes, says Delhi court

In matrimonial disputes, there is often a tendency for the wife to exaggerate her claims and for the husband to downplay his income, observed a Delhi court while dismissing a woman’s plea seeking interim monetary maintenance from her husband.

Metropolitan Magistrate Pooja Yadav made the observations while hearing an application filed under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. The woman had sought interim maintenance, alleging financial hardship.

In the order dated October 25, the court said, “It has been observed in a catena of judgments that there is a tendency to downplay income when a person is embroiled in a matrimonial dispute. Similarly, the claims made by the wife are also exaggerated in such cases.”

The court noted that the petitioner was a law graduate who had previously worked with the Delhi Commission for Women till October 2024.

“She has not placed on record any material to show that she is unable to work now or that there is any genuine obstacle in seeking employment. There is no child from the marriage and no such responsibility that may prevent her from working,” the court observed.

The woman had claimed a monthly expenditure of Rs 30,000, along with rent, but the court found her assertion to be unsubstantiated.

“Although the woman, who is residing with her brother, claimed a monthly expenditure of Rs 30,000 and rent, her claim was not supported by any documentary evidence,” it said.

Referring to her financial records, the court pointed out that several credit entries were seen in her bank account after March 2024, which remain unexplained. All this casts doubt on her assertion that she is presently without any source of income, the court added.

Taking into account her educational background and work experience, the court said it was not convinced by her claim of unemployment.

The magistrate said, “Given her qualifications, work experience and the absence of any compelling reason for unemployment, it is unbelievable that she is currently unemployed.”

“Thus, the court is of the view that the petitioner is capable of sustaining herself at this stage,” the magistrate said, disallowing the plea.

The court added that the relief would be decided on merits of the case upon conclusion of the trial.