In a stern move against defiance of court orders, the Bombay High Court sentenced Dr. Manish Ganvir to six months in civil prison for repeatedly failing to pay maintenance to his wife and two daughters, despite multiple directives.
A Division Bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Advait M Sethna came down heavily on the doctor, calling his conduct a clear case of willful disobedience.
“The contemnor has no respect for the rule of law, he has no regard to the orders passed by this Court,” the Bench remarked, criticizing the doctor’s blatant disregard for both legal obligations and his family’s well-being.
The case stemmed from a long-standing marital dispute. Dr. Ganvir, who married in 2002, filed for divorce in 2009, but his petition was dismissed in 2015. In 2019, the High Court directed him to pay ₹35,000 per month as maintenance, yet he persistently refused to comply. His wife filed a contempt petition in July 2019, leading to years of legal battles.
The Court noted that the doctor made every possible attempt to evade legal proceedings, including avoiding service of notices and filing multiple unsuccessful appeals.
“The contemnor appears to be quite habitual and well-versed in avoiding the process of law,” the Bench observed, expressing frustration over his repeated non-compliance.
Despite coercive measures like bailable warrants, the husband continued to defy orders. The Court underscored the severe impact on his wife and children, remarking:
“The solemnity of the Court orders clearly reflects the need for human survival of the petitioner-wife along with two daughters… However, the contemnor in his dispute with the petitioner has completely lost consciousness to these basic human aspects.”
The husband’s counsel attempted to argue that the maintenance amount was excessive, but the Court rejected the plea, emphasizing that the order had attained finality in multiple legal proceedings, including the Supreme Court.
Declaring his conduct an act of “open defiance,” the Court ordered Dr. Ganvir to surrender immediately at the High Court Police Station. He was taken into custody following the hearing.
Case: Dr Sangita Ganvir vs Dr Manish Ganvir – Available on LAWFYI.IO
