Pankaj Chhokar v. Kanika

O R D E R %

24.08.2026 CRL.M.A. 26132/2026 (delay)

¶1For the reasons stated in the application, the same is allowed and the delay of 16 days in filing the instant petition stands condoned.

¶2Application stands disposed of. CRL.REV.P.(MAT.) 486/2026 & CRL.M.A. 26131/2026

¶1The instant petition has been filed for the following reliefs: "(a) Set aside the impugned order dated 21.04.2026 passed by the Learned Principal Judge, Family Court, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi in Maintenance Petition No.84/2025, whereby the Petitioner has been directed to pay ad-interim maintenance of Rs. 6,000/- per month and litigation expenses of Rs. 11,000/- to the Respondent;

(b) Hold that the direction to pay ad-interim maintenance is unsustainable in view of the fact that the Petitioner is presently unemployed, has no independent source of income, and is not in a financial position to comply This is a digitally signed order. with the impugned order; {c) Pass any order or orders as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of this case."

¶2The petitioner seeks to challenge the impugned order dated

21.04.2026 on the ground that the petitioner is not earning anything and is preparing for the UPSC examination.

¶3The Court, however, finds that the impugned order is ad interim in nature. Even the application seeking interim maintenance is pending before the concerned Court.

¶4Bearing in mind the overall facts and circumstances, and the fact that the amount of Rs.6,000/- has been directed towards ad interim maintenance and Rs.11,000/ as litigation expenses, the same does not seem to be exorbitant or otherwise impermissible in law.

¶5Accordingly, the petition fails and is hereby dismissed.

¶6All rights and contentions of the parties are left open.

¶7The concerned Court shall look into the submissions made by the petitioner at the time of passing of the order on the interim maintenance application.

¶8The pending application also stands disposed of. PURUSHAINDRA KUMAR KAURAV, J AUGUST 24, 2026/P This is a digitally signed order.

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI # CNR No. DLHC010398102026 + CRL.REV.P.(MAT.) 486/2026 & CRL.M.A. 26131/2026 PANKAJ CHHOKAR .....Petitioner Through: Ms. Aditi Singh and Mr. Santosh Kumar, Advs. versus KANIKA .....Respondent Through: None. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PURUSHAINDRA KUMAR KAURAV