Divorce battle: What it can cost a husband

Vineet Singh's marriage quickly turned into a costly battle after just six months. Frequent arguments over finances led his wife to threaten leaving him, eventually filing three cases against him, including one under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. For ten years, Singh paid his wife Rs.10,000 a month in maintenance while his career suffered.

Now, 15 years later, she still refuses to divorce or withdraw the case until he pays a lump sum of Rs.50 lakh. Singh's story is not unique; many men face financial ruin, defamation, and career setbacks after their wives file legal action. Matrimonial disputes can outlast the marriage and cost far more than initially expected. Laws meant to protect women are sometimes misused by women to extract high costs from husbands. Men need to understand their legal options to protect their finances.