HC asks guilty to deposit money directly into victim’s account

The high court has directed lower courts of Punjab,Haryana and Chandigarh to direct parties to deposit money directly in bank accounts. The directions were passed while hearing a matrimonial dispute case,where an August 2010 order on interim maintenance passed by a lower court of Ropar was challenged by the wife on the ground that the maintenance ordered by the court was meager. The wife had moved the high court seeking enhancement in the amount ordered by the lower court.

“This court would like to direct the courts below on an important aspect of the matter,namely,that in all the cases where any amount is directed to be paid,by the court,to any of the parties concerned,whether as a one-time measure or at regular intervals,it should ensure that the parties exchange their bank account particulars and the person,who is to pay the amount,transfers the amount directly in the account of the person,who is entitled to receive the same in terms of the order passed by the court,” Justice Bindal said in his order.

The order further reads,“Sometimes,with a view to harass the wife or children,the other party deposits small amount of a few hundred rupees regularly in the court,which not only results in creation of extra work in the courts,but also causes harassment to the person entitled to receive the money.”

In case the parties are not having any bank account,the high court has held,either they can be persuaded to open an account in the bank at their option,or the possibility of sending the money through any other mode.