The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to prominent Indian cricketer Mohammad Shami. This development comes as a result of a plea filed by his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, who is seeking a substantial increase in interim maintenance for herself and their minor daughter.
Justices Manoj Misra and Ujjal Bhuyan have directed Shami to respond to his wife’s challenge. She is contesting two specific orders passed by the Calcutta High Court on July 1 and August 25.
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Mohammad Shami on Maintenance Plea
The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal dispute between Mohammad Shami and Hasin Jahan. The notice requires the cricketer to present his side regarding the contested maintenance amounts.
Hasin Jahan’s legal team is arguing that the maintenance previously awarded is “grossly inadequate.” They point to Shami’s considerable financial standing and “lavish lifestyle” as reasons for their demand for increased support.
The Escalating Maintenance Demands
Initially, the Calcutta High Court had increased the interim maintenance to ₹1.5 lakh monthly for Hasin Jahan and ₹2.5 lakh for their daughter. Shami was also permitted to clear the accumulated arrears over eight monthly installments.
However, Hasin Jahan’s petition to the Supreme Court outlines significantly higher demands. She is now seeking ₹7 lakh monthly maintenance for herself and ₹3 lakh for their daughter, citing Shami’s immense earnings.
Allegations of Financial Disparity
According to the petition, Mohammad Shami’s annual income, as per his 2021-22 Income Tax Return, was approximately ₹48 crore. This figure paints a stark contrast to his wife’s claims of living in “downtrodden conditions” and struggling with basic expenses.
The petition further highlights Shami’s collection of luxury vehicles, which reportedly includes a Range Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Toyota Fortuner, underscoring his opulent lifestyle.
A Timeline of the Legal Battle
Mohammad Shami and Hasin Jahan married in April 2014. Their relationship began to unravel, leading to a series of legal actions.
Here’s a brief overview of the key legal proceedings:
- 2018: Hasin Jahan filed an FIR at Jadavpur police station in Kolkata, alleging domestic violence. This led to a chargesheet being filed against Shami.
- Subsequent Action: She approached a court under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, specifically seeking interim maintenance.
- Initial Trial Court Decision: A trial court granted ₹80,000 monthly for the child but denied maintenance to Shami’s wife.
- Sessions Court Ruling (2023): The Sessions Court later awarded ₹50,000 to Hasin Jahan and maintained ₹80,000 for the child.
- Calcutta High Court Orders: The July 1 order increased these amounts to ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh, respectively. The August 25 order then permitted Shami to pay the arrears in installments.
Senior advocate Shobha Gupta is representing Mohammad Shami’s estranged wife in the Supreme Court proceedings.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Mohammad Shami?
The Supreme Court’s notice means Mohammad Shami must now formally respond to Hasin Jahan’s plea for increased maintenance. This development adds another chapter to the high-profile legal battle, bringing the case to the highest judicial authority in India. The outcome of Shami’s response will be crucial in determining the future of the maintenance dispute.