Can a father be denied access to his children while facing massive maintenance claims?The Madras High Court refused the ₹40 lakh monthly maintenance demand by wife and protected Actor Ravi Mohan right to meet his sons.
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has passed an interim order in the ongoing divorce dispute between Tamil actor Ravi Mohan and his estranged wife Aarti Ravi. The Court refused Aarti Ravi’s demand for ₹40 lakh as monthly interim maintenance and also allowed Ravi Mohan to meet his two sons on a regular basis.
The case relates to the divorce proceedings started by Ravi Mohan after the couple separated. During the proceedings, Aarti Ravi sought interim maintenance of ₹40 lakh per month, claiming it was necessary to maintain her lifestyle and meet family expenses.
The High Court, however, did not grant the request at this stage. Instead, it directed both parties to continue the legal proceedings before the Family Court, where the claims and evidence will be examined in detail before any final decision on maintenance is taken.
The Court also considered Ravi Mohan’s request to meet his children. It observed that a father should not be unnecessarily prevented from maintaining a relationship with his children merely because matrimonial disputes are pending.
The Court permitted Ravi Mohan to meet his sons every Saturday between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM at the residence of actor Karathey Babu, who is a family friend. This arrangement has been made to ensure that the children can spend time with their father in a comfortable and neutral environment while the divorce case continues.
During the hearing, the Court said:
“Both parents have equal responsibility towards the welfare of the children.”
The Court also made it clear that:
“The children should not become victims of the dispute between the parents.”
While refusing to grant the interim maintenance sought, the Court did not close Aarti Ravi’s claim permanently. Instead, it left the issue to be decided by the Family Court after examining the evidence and financial records of both parties.
The High Court also stressed that the welfare of the children must remain the highest priority throughout the case.
The divorce proceedings between Ravi Mohan and Aarti Ravi will now continue before the Family Court, where issues relating to divorce, maintenance and other matrimonial claims will be decided according to law.
EXPLANATORY TABLE OF LAWS AND SECTION
| LAW / PRINCIPLE | WHAT IT MEANS | RELEVANCE IN THIS CASE |
| Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 | Governs divorce, maintenance and other matrimonial disputes among Hindus. | The divorce proceedings between Ravi Mohan and Aarti Ravi are pending under this law. |
| Interim Maintenance | Temporary financial support granted during the pendency of a matrimonial case. | Aarti Ravi sought ₹40 lakh per month as interim maintenance, which the Court declined at this stage. |
| Child Custody & Visitation Rights | Courts can allow the non-custodial parent to meet the children while custody proceedings continue. | The Court allowed Ravi Mohan to meet his sons every Saturday. |
| Welfare of the Child Principle | In every custody dispute, the child’s welfare is the most important consideration. | The Court held that the children should not suffer because of the dispute between their parents. |
| Family Court Jurisdiction | Family Courts decide issues relating to divorce, maintenance, custody and matrimonial disputes. | The High Court directed that the maintenance claim will be decided by the Family Court after evidence is recorded. |
CASE DETAILS
| Particular | Details |
| Case Title | Ravi Mohan v. Aarti Ravi |
| Court | Madras High Court |
| Parties | Ravi Mohan (Petitioner) and Aarti Ravi (Respondent) |
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The order reinforces that fathers are parents with rights and responsibilities, not merely financial providers.
- A huge ₹40 lakh monthly maintenance claim was not accepted merely because it was sought.
- The Court protected the father’s right to regularly meet his children during the divorce proceedings.
- Children’s welfare includes maintaining a meaningful relationship with both parents, not just one.
- Matrimonial disputes should not become a reason to financially burden or emotionally isolate one parent without proper adjudication.
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