In a domestic dispute case that has captured the hearts of many, a Karnataka High Court judge expressed astonishment and empathy during a recent hearing, which has since gone viral on social media. The case involves a man earning a modest salary of ₹12,000 per month, from which he was ordered to pay ₹10,000 monthly for child support.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the man’s entire income scarcely covered his child’s expenses, leaving him with a mere ₹2,000 for his own survival. The video of the judge’s comments, originally streamed on the Karnataka High Court’s YouTube channel—which broadcasts live proceedings of court cases across the state—has sparked widespread discussion.
The judge poignantly questioned how it was reasonable to demand such a significant portion of the man’s salary for child maintenance. “First understand, from a salary of ₹12,000, how can one be asked to give ₹10,000? He has his own life to live. Surviving on just ₹2,000 is too little. How can the court decide you are entitled to ₹10,000 in maintenance without evidence? There’s no limit to expenses, yet the court can understand the case well. But what about him… What will happen to the person who has to make this payment? How will he survive on so little?”
At the outset of the case, the wife’s lawyer informed the judge that the petition was filed demanding maintenance. When questioned by the judge about the amount decided by the trial court, the lawyer explained that while the wife receives nothing, the son was granted ₹10,000 per month. Upon learning the husband’s total earnings were ₹62,000, it was clarified by the husband’s lawyer that this was the gross income, with the actual take-home being only ₹12,000.
