New Delhi: The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has been directed by a family court in Delhi to maintain his estranged wife Payal Abdullah and minor child. The court that is hearing the divorce plea filed by Omar, ordered a monthly interim maintenance of Rs 75,000 for Payal and Rs 25,000 for their son, till he turns 18 years old.
According to a report by India Today, the court observed,”Grant of maintenance to a wife is a measure of social justice. Children are silent victims and worst sufferers. Even if the wife is well-qualified, she should not be deprived of her right to claim maintenance as per status of her husband. If the husband is an able-bodied person as per his income and status. There should not be mathematical calculations.”
Omar’s counsel told the court that for the last six years Payal was maintaining herself and did not press for maintenance during the divorce petition. While, Senior advocate Jayant K Sud and advocate Honey Khanna appearing for Payal, told the court that eviction of Payal and her children from 7, Akbar Road was the reason for the maintenance.
“After the eviction, it became difficult to find accommodation, which would be fit for the three in view of Z and Z+ security given to them. The respondent has a substantial income and is enjoying a very luxurious lifestyle,” Sud told the court.
Omar’s petition seeking divorce had been rejected by a trial court, which said that Omar failed to prove that Payal had committed “cruelty” upon him.