Guidance on 498a, maintenance, and settlement decision
Sachin Kumar
(Querist) 28 August 2025
This query is : Resolved
I got married in November 2022, and we don’t have any children. I did not take anything in dowry. However, my wife’s behavior has been very rude, and she has filed cases under 498A, maintenance, and dowry against me in court. During mediation, a settlement amount of ₹10 lakhs was proposed.
My monthly income is ₹1.5 lakhs, while my wife earns ₹30,000 per month. Should I go for the settlement or contest the case in court? Also, will I still be liable to pay maintenance even though there is no child ?
kavksatyanarayana 
(Expert) 28 August 2025
It is better to go for a settlement. You have to maintain, though she is earning. However, you can revert to the dowry case and pay maintenance as she is earning.
