The Allahabad High Court, in its recent order, directed SP MP Mohibbullah Nadvi to ensure timely payment of Rs 30,000 per month to his fourth wife as maintenance. Justice Subhash Chandra Sharma, who presided over the case, instructed that the matter be referred to the High Court’s mediation centre to explore the possibility of an amicable settlement between the two parties.
The court emphasised that Nadvi must comply with the maintenance order without delay, warning that any failure to deposit the directed amount would invite immediate legal action. The order came while hearing Nadvi’s plea against an earlier decision issued by the Additional Principal Judge of the family court in Agra on April 1, 2024.
The High Court allowed a three-month period for the parties to attempt reconciliation through mediation. As per the court’s directive, Nadvi has been ordered to deposit Rs 55,000, of which Rs 30,000 per month will be disbursed to his wife as maintenance. The remaining amount will be adjusted against arrears as per court proceedings, news agency PTI reported.
In Nadvi’s case, the maintenance dispute pertains to his fourth wife, who approached the court alleging that he had failed to provide her adequate financial support after marriage. The issue has sparked wider discussions on the balance between personal law rights and the uniform principles of justice applicable under Indian civil law, especially concerning women’s rights in polygamous marriages.
While Muslim men are legally permitted to contract multiple marriages, the responsibility to provide fair maintenance and equal treatment is absolute.
During the hearing, Nadvi’s counsel informed the bench that his client was open to resolving the dispute through “mutual understanding,” to which the court responded favourably. Justice Sharma said that, given the nature of the litigation, “there is a fair chance to resolve the matter through mediation, and an attempt ought to be made to explore that possibility.”
In its September 11 order, the High Court made it clear that Nadvi’s failure to pay maintenance or participate in mediation proceedings would have direct consequences. The bench stated that if the MP fails to deposit the specified amount, stops paying maintenance, or if mediation fails, the interim protection granted to him would automatically lapse.
The court’s stance signals a strong message on upholding the rights of women in matrimonial disputes, particularly in cases involving influential individuals. The order reinforces the judiciary’s consistent position that financial maintenance for spouses is not merely a legal obligation but a matter of fundamental justice.
Mohibbullah Nadvi, a sitting MP from the Samajwadi Party representing Rampur, had approached the High Court challenging the family court’s April 2024 order mandating monthly maintenance payments to his fourth wife. The petition sought relief from the order on procedural and financial grounds, but the High Court declined to grant blanket protection and instead stressed compliance alongside mediation efforts.
The case has drawn public attention not only due to the MP’s political stature but also because of its broader implications on maintenance rights under Indian family law.
With the High Court’s directions now in place, both parties are expected to appear before the mediation centre within the three-month window. If the mediation results in a settlement, the matter could be resolved amicably. However, if negotiations fail or payments lapse, the family court’s original order will stand reinstated, and Nadvi could face legal enforcement proceedings.
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