Rising Inflation Drives Surge in Maintenance Cases at Pune Family Court

Pune, 10th February 2026: The Shivajinagar Family Court in Pune is witnessing a significant surge in cases related to the enhancement of maintenance. With nearly half of the daily cases now linked to maintenance disputes, the rise is being attributed to increasing inflation and escalating education costs.

Maintenance amounts fixed years ago are no longer sufficient to meet the basic needs of children, according to lawyers. Family courts continue to see a steady increase in pleas for higher support as the financial burdens on families grow.

For women living separately from their husbands or surviving on maintenance after divorce, inflation has become a daily struggle. Many report that the amount they receive is often exhausted by the middle of the month. Managing children’s education, healthcare, and routine household expenses has become increasingly difficult.

While inflation affects all families, the burden is particularly heavy on separated women, especially those living in urban areas. Amounts fixed five or ten years ago no longer reflect present-day realities. School fees, private tuition, medical costs, transport expenses, and rising food prices have made it nearly impossible to balance income and expenditure.

Over the past few years, more women have approached the court seeking relief to secure their children’s future. In the last two years alone, applications for enhancement of maintenance have risen significantly. However, the legal process, related expenses, and mental stress continue to make the fight difficult for many women.

‘Maintenance fixed years ago is no longer sufficient. Children’s education costs have gone up sharply. Seeking an increase has become a necessity, and it is encouraging that courts are now looking at these cases more empathetically,’ said Advocate Rahul Jadhav, Treasurer of the Pune Family Court Lawyers Association.

The court’s more empathetic approach is a positive development, but the financial and emotional toll on women seeking higher maintenance remains a significant challenge. As inflation continues to rise, the need for timely and adequate support from the legal system becomes even more critical.