Calcutta HC orders Shami to pay Rs 4 Lakh for family maintenance

Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami has been directed by the Calcutta High Court to pay Rs 4 lakh per month as maintenance to his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, and their daughter. This decision comes as a significant increase from the previously set amount of Rs 1.30 lakh, which was based on an order from a district sessions court earlier in 2023.

The court's decision took into account Shami's substantial earnings, his daughter's future prospects, and the lifestyle Jahan had before their separation. The Bench emphasized that the maintenance amount should reflect the financial capabilities of Shami while ensuring a stable future for Jahan and their child. "The husband’s financial disclosures and income indicate his capacity to support a higher amount," the Bench explained, according to Bar And Bench. The judge further clarified to the Times of India that the awarded amount should neither be excessive nor insufficient.

Following the verdict, Hasin Jahan expressed gratitude towards the court, highlighting that the revised maintenance amount would enable her to provide better educational opportunities for their daughter. “I have struggled significantly in the last seven years fighting for my rights and couldn’t enroll my daughter in a better school. This decision gives us hope,” she shared with the paper.

Initially, Jahan had sought interim monetary relief of Rs 7 lakh per month for herself and an additional Rs 3 lakh for their daughter. The legal battle dates back to March 2018, when Jahan filed an FIR against Shami and his family. She accused them of “enormous physical and mental torture” under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, alongside claims of dowry harassment and match-fixing. Jahan alleged that Shami had neglected their financial responsibilities, contributing to her sustained hardships.

As this case continues to unfold, it reflects broader issues, including financial responsibility and the complexities involved in high-profile personal disputes.