The Supreme Court of India has stepped into the ongoing legal dispute between Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami and his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, concerning financial maintenance. The apex court has officially called for responses from Shami and the West Bengal government regarding Jahan's petition to increase the alimony amount awarded to her and their daughter.
The Court's Observation and Current Maintenance
During the proceedings, the bench hearing the case made a significant oral observation, noting that the interim maintenance of ₹4 lakh per month granted by the Calcutta High Court was "quite handsome." This amount, which was mandated in July, is allocated as ₹1.50 lakh for Hasin Jahan and ₹2.50 lakh for their daughter each month.
Hasin Jahan's Grounds for Challenge
In her plea to the Supreme Court, Jahan has challenged the High Court's order, arguing that it fails to adhere to the legal principles established in the landmark Rajnesh v. Neha (2021) case. She contends that the sum is not commensurate with the substantial income and high-flying lifestyle of the cricketer.
Jahan has emphasized that her child deserves the same educational and lifestyle standards as other children of elite cricketers, which the current award does not ensure. She has also stressed that her own education or potential to work should not negate her right to maintenance, as the court must primarily consider the husband's financial capacity and social standing.
Citing Shami's alleged net monthly income of approximately ₹59.96 lakh, Jahan argues that even by applying the one-third income rule, the awarded amount is grossly inadequate. Consequently, she is seeking an enhanced interim maintenance of ₹7 lakh per month for herself and ₹3 lakh for her daughter.
Background of the Marital Dispute
Mohammed Shami and former model Hasin Jahan were married in 2014 and have a daughter born in 2015. Their relationship soured in 2018 when Jahan accused the fast bowler of domestic violence and adultery, leading to their separation. The couple has been embroiled in a contentious divorce case since then.
In a related development from March 2019, the police filed a charge sheet against Shami under sections 498A (dowry harassment) and 354A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The legal battles over alimony and other matters continue to unfold, drawing significant public attention.
