IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. OF 2026 [Arising from SLP(Crl.) No(s). 19054/2025]
PRATICHI SAMAL & ANR. APPELLANT(S)
VERSUS
DEEPAK RANJAN PRADHAN RESPONDENT(S)
O R D E R
1. Despite service of notice, the respondent
has not entered appearance.
2. Leave granted.
3. The present appeal arises from the impugned
order dated 16.07.2025 passed by the High Court whereby
the interim maintenance awarded to the appellant-wife by
the Family Court under Section 125 Cr.P.C. at the rate of
Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand Only) per month, has
been reduced to Rs.15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand
Only) per month.
4. A perusal of the impugned order passed by the
High Court reveals that only the petitioner before the
High Court was heard. Further, we find no reasons
recorded by the High Court for reducing the amount of
interim maintenance. The impugned order has thus been
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passed without hearing the appellant-wife.
5. On the above grounds, the impugned order cannot
be sustained and is accordingly set aside.
6. The appeal is allowed and pending
application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.
....................,J. (VIKRAM NATH)
....................,J. (SANDEEP MEHTA)
NEW DELHI; FEBRUARY 23, 2026
Crl.A. @ SLP (CRL.)No. 19054/2025
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