On January 23, 2026, the High Court of Madras made a decision on a maintenance case involving B. Madhan Babu and K.M. Sunitha. The court agreed with an earlier decision that required Madhan Babu to pay temporary support money to his wife, Sunitha, even though he said he couldn't work because of health problems.
The case started when Madhan Babu filed for divorce from Sunitha in 2019, saying she was cruel to him. During the divorce process, Sunitha asked for temporary support money, saying she had no income after leaving her job as a teacher.
Sunitha asked for Rs. 1,00,000 per month for support and additional money for court and medical expenses. The Family Court in Chennai ordered Madhan Babu to pay Rs. 30,000 per month as temporary support and Rs. 50,000 for court costs on November 5, 2024.
"The Family Court directed the petitioner/husband to pay a sum of Rs.30,000/- per month towards interim maintenance."
Madhan Babu argued that he couldn't work because he had 'Chronic Hepatitis B' and was not employed. He said his wife was earning money as a teacher and did not need financial help. However, he did not provide medical proof to back up his health claims.
The court looked at bank statements that showed regular deposits into Madhan Babu's account, which went against his claim of having a low income. Sunitha had quit her teaching job, as shown by a letter dated March 31, 2023.
"The health problem pleaded by the petitioner/husband has not been proved by producing any acceptable record."
Justice S. Sounthar rejected Madhan Babu's request, confirming the Family Court's order for maintenance. The court found no reason to change the support amount given the financial evidence.
This case shows how important it is to have clear financial records and evidence in legal cases. Despite health claims, the court relied on clear financial records to make its decision.
