JUDGEMENT
Rajendra Nath Sinha, J. -
(1.) This is an application filed under section 115 of
the Civil Procedure Code being aggrieved by an order No. 28 dated 28th June,
1999 passed by Additional District Judge, Second Court at Asansol in
Matrimonial Suit No. 54/96 renumbered as 107 of 1997. The application may
be stated in brief together with its background :
That this petitioner/husband instituted a matrimonial suit for dissolution
of marriage under section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act. In course of the
proceeding the opposite party/wife preferred an application under section
24 of the Act praying for Rs. 2,500/- as maintenance pendente lite. The
opposite party/wife happened to be an employee of I.C.D.S. project in the
district of Purulia and drawing a salary of Rs. 525/-. In the written objection
it was so stated together with the fact that the wife in the meanwhile in a
proceeding under section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code at
Raghunathpur Court got an order dated 25.7.1998 for maintenance at the
rate of Rs. 1,500/- beforehand she was allowed Rs. 300/- as interim
maintenance. The aforesaid order has already been complied by the
petitioner. The aforesaid order was challenged before the Hon'ble Court by
way of preferring a revisional application as CRR No. 2310 of 1998 but this
Court was pleased to dismiss the said application. On 28.6.1999 the learned
Second Additional District Judge allowed maintenance pendente lite under
section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act at the rate of Rs. 1,500/- per month.
Hence this petition has been filed.
(2.) None appeared on behalf of the opposite party/wife. Mr. Mukherjee,
learned Advocate for the petitioner had urged solely on the ground that he is in
a predicament as the Criminal Court has already allowed Rs. 1,500/- per month
as maintenance to the opposite party this Matrimonial Court also allowed Rs.
1,500/- as maintenance pendente lite. Thus, there is apprehension of double
jeopardy and making the payment twice.
(3.) The apprehension as has been expressed at the Bar by Mr. Mukherjee is
completely unfounded as the alimony pendente lite under section 24 of the Hindu
Marriage Act is for a temporary period. The order passed by the learned
Magistrate was quite before the date of passing the impugned order. Admittedly
the finding of a Civil Court under section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act may be
adjusted during such period for which the alimony pendente lite so awarded
under section 4 of the Act subsists whereas the allowance which has been
awarded by the learned Judicial Magistrate under section 125 Cr. P. C. is not
for a limited period, but is for period during which the wife is being neglected
and refused to be maintained by the husband.;
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