In a notable ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has mandated that a 22-year-old electrical engineering student must continue to pay maintenance to his estranged wife, despite his claims of financial hardship due to his student status. The court emphasized that the obligation to support a spouse is absolute and cannot be dismissed based on one's educational pursuits. The couple's marriage, which began when the husband was just 16, ended in early 2023, leading to legal proceedings where the wife sought maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Faridabad Family Court had initially ordered the husband to pay ₹2,500 per month, a decision he contested. However, the high court upheld this ruling, stating that maintenance is intended to prevent a spouse from falling into poverty. The court dismissed the husband's arguments regarding his financial situation, asserting that he is capable of earning and must fulfill his legal responsibilities. The ruling underscores the importance of ensuring financial support for spouses, particularly in cases of marital breakdown.