Mumbai, – In a significant ruling, the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Bandra has directed Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde to pay an interim maintenance of Rs 2 lakh per month to his estranged wife, Karuna, and their daughter. The decision was pronounced in a case filed under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
The court, presided over by Judicial First Class Magistrate AB Jadhav, partially allowed the applications filed by Karuna and her two children. The court acknowledged that Munde had subjected his estranged wife to domestic violence, prima facie, and determined that she was entitled to financial support.
Breakdown of Court’s Ruling
While the petition sought maintenance for both children, the court ruled that since Munde’s son had reached adulthood, he was no longer entitled to financial support. The magistrate, however, ordered the minister to pay Rs 1.25 lakh to Karuna and Rs 75,000 to his daughter as interim maintenance until the final decision on the petition. Additionally, the court directed Munde to pay Rs 25,000 towards litigation expenses.
Case Background and Allegations
According to Karuna, she and Munde had a love marriage in 1998, which was also an inter-caste union. She alleged that in 2018, Munde’s behavior towards her changed drastically, and he began neglecting her. She claimed that he eventually married another woman under family pressure and even threatened her, warning that her presence in his native place could harm his political career.
In response, Munde denied the marriage, contending that there was no domestic relationship between them. He further argued that Karuna was a successful businesswoman with multiple sources of income and did not require financial support. Munde also alleged that her petition was a retaliatory move against a civil suit he had filed against her in the Bombay High Court for defamation.
Court’s Observations and Verdict
The court dismissed Munde’s defense, citing contradicting evidence. One key piece of evidence was an affidavit he had submitted to the Election Commission on October 23, 2024, in which he had listed Karuna and their daughter as dependents. This affidavit played a crucial role in establishing the existence of a domestic relationship, contradicting his denial.
The magistrate further noted that while Karuna had some sources of income, Munde’s financial standing was significantly stronger. Given this disparity, the court determined that it was his responsibility to provide financial support to his estranged wife and their daughter. As a result, the court ruled that Munde must pay the specified amounts as interim maintenance from the date of the application.
Legal Implications and Public Reaction
The ruling is being viewed as a landmark decision in the context of domestic violence and maintenance rights. Legal experts believe that the judgment reinforces the legal protection offered under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, ensuring financial security for women facing similar situations.
The case has also drawn significant public and political attention. As a senior leader of the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Munde’s legal battles are being closely watched. His political rivals have seized upon the ruling to criticize his personal conduct, while his supporters argue that the case is a private matter being used for political mileage.
Next Steps and Legal Recourse
While this is an interim order, Munde has the option to challenge the ruling in a higher court. However, until such a challenge is successfully upheld, he remains legally bound to comply with the maintenance order.
Legal analysts suggest that this ruling could set a precedent for other similar cases, particularly those involving high-profile individuals. The case also highlights the importance of election affidavits as a source of legal evidence in family disputes.
The Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court’s order mandating Minister Dhananjay Munde to pay Rs 2 lakh in monthly maintenance underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding women’s rights under the Domestic Violence Act. As the legal battle unfolds, this case is expected to remain in the public eye, shedding light on both personal and legal aspects of high-profile political figures. With the court’s ruling in place, Karuna and her daughter can now expect financial stability while awaiting the final verdict on the matter. Meanwhile, Munde’s legal team may explore options for appeal, setting the stage for further legal proceedings in the coming months.
