T. Renuka Devi v. S.Vetriselvan,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 24-03-2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE T.V.THAMILSELVI CRP No. 2440 of 2025 and CMP No.14001 of 2025 T.Renuka Devi W/o.S.Vetriselvan D/o.K.Thanasekaran No.41, 4th Cross Street, Balamurugan Gardens, Thoraipakkam, Chennai-600 097.
Petitioner(s) Vs
1. S.Vetriselvan, S/o.R.Srinivasan, 9/10, Second Street, Thirunagar, Vadapalani, Chennai -600 026.
Respondent(s) Civil Revision Petition filed under Article 227 of Constitution of India to set aside the impugned order dated 03.03.2025 in I.A.No.3 of 2023 in OP No.5241 of 2022 passed by the learned Judge, VI Additional Principal Family Court, Chennai (FAC) and allow I.A.No.3 of 2023 in OP No.5241 of 2022 in its entirety and consequently direct the respondent to pay the petitioner a sum of Rs.3,00,000/- per month from the date of filing of the petition in I.A.No.3 of 2023 towards interim maintenance and Rs.1,00,000/- towards litigation expenses.
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For Petitioner(s):
Ms.Sudha Ramalingam For Respondent(s): Ms.AL.Gandhimathi Senior Counsel For Mr.C.T.Murugappan
ORDER
Challenging the impugned order passed in I.A.No.3 of 2023 in OP No.5241 of 2022 dated 03.03..2025, the wife has filed the above revision.
2. Learned counsel for the revision petitioner/wife submits that the respondent/husband is employed in Oracle United States of America and his monthly income is Rs.6,52,000/-, but, without considering the salary and other perquisites, the trial Judge has ordered only Rs.20,000/- towards interim maintenance, which is very meagre. Learned counsel for the petitioner has relied on the decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Dr.Rajiv Verghese vs Rose Chakkrammankkil Francis (SLP(C) No.4109 of 2023, wherein the Hon'ble Supreme Court has held as follows:- " 11. ...... Therefore, the High Court has overlooked certain aspects relating to the income of the respondent which were looked at by the Family Court. Further, it is also on record that the appellant is not working as she sacrificed her employment 2/6
after the marriage. The appellant was accustomed to a certain standard of living in her matrimonial home and therefore, during the pendency of the divorce petition, is also entitled to enjoy the same amenities of life as she would have been entitled to in her matrimonial home."
Therefore, the petitioner prays for enhancement of Rs.3,00,000/- as interim maintenance, which is 1/3rd of the salary of the respondent.
3. Learned counsel for the respondent raised objection stating that though he is employed at United States of America, he has to look after his aged parents and also he is paying huge taxes which comes around Rs.40,00,000/- per year as he is under W-2 employment. Therefore, the interim maintenance amount of Rs.20,000/- ordered by the trial Judge is just and reasonable which does not warrant any interference.
4. I have considered the submissions made by the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.
5. Admittedly, the respondent/husband is employed in Oracle at United States of America and his salary comes around Rs.6,52,000/- and 3/6
now the revision petitioner, being wife, is claiming 1/3 from his total income. But, the learned counsel for the respondent/husband pointed out that he is already paying Rs.40,00,000/-(Rupees Forty Lakhs Only) per year towards income tax which means around Rs.3,30,000/-per month.
6. In view of the above, considering the cost of living, this Court is inclined to enhance the interim maintenance from Rs.20,000/-, as ordered by the trial Court to Rs.50,000/-(Rupees Fifty Thousand only) per month.
7. The respondent/husband is directed to pay a sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand Only) to the petitioner/wife towards interim maintenance from the date of petition till the disposal of OP No.5241 of 2022 with accrued arrears of maintenance within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
8. Since the petition is of the year 2022, the trial court is directed to dispose of OP No.5241 of 2022 on merits and in accordance with law within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 4/6
9. With the above direction, the civil revision petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 24.03.2026 sr Index:yes/no Website:yes/no Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order To The VI Additional Principal Family Court, Chennai (FAC) 5/6
T.V.THAMILSELVI.,J sr CRP No. 2440 of 2025 24.03.2026 6/6