The Court was hearing an appeal by the mother and her two daughters against an Allahabad High Court order that had reduced the father’s monthly maintenance obligation from ₹60,000 to ₹30,000, fixing it at ₹15,000 for each daughter, after taking into account that the mother was also earning ₹1.5 lakh a month.
The Supreme Court found no basis for the reduction, noting that the High Court had itself accepted that ₹60,000 per month was sufficient for the two daughters having regard to the status of their parents.
The Court also took into account the fact that the daughters, aged about nine and eight, lived with their mother, who was responsible for their daily needs and upbringing while also working as a gynaecologist.
The Court said such caregiving constituted a contribution that could not be reduced to a monetary calculation.