Patna: Bhojpuri actor and BJP MLC Pawan Singh was fined Rs 1,000 by the Family Court in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, after he failed to appear for a hearing in the maintenance case filed by his wife, Jyoti Singh.
The court, presided over by Judge Kamalapati Prajapati, has scheduled the next hearing for October 5. Pawan Singh’s statement was also expected to be recorded during Wednesday’s proceedings.
Lawyer Cites Patna Floods
Pawan Singh’s lawyer, Harivansh Singh, said his client could not attend the hearing because of floods in Patna. An application seeking an adjournment had been submitted to the court.
According to the lawyer, the court imposed the Rs 1,000 fine because of Pawan Singh’s absence. He had also failed to appear during an earlier hearing.
Jyoti Singh attended Wednesday’s proceedings with her lawyer. Her counsel said Pawan Singh had also not appeared on August 11 to present his side of the case.
Divorce And Maintenance Proceedings
Jyoti Singh is Pawan Singh’s second wife. The couple married in Ballia on March 6, 2018, but their relationship later came under strain.
Jyoti has alleged mental and physical harassment and claimed that she was forced to undergo two abortions. Pawan Singh has denied the allegations.
In April 2022, Jyoti Singh filed for divorce. Pawan Singh subsequently filed a divorce petition in the Ara Family Court. The two were also required to appear for reconciliation proceedings, but Pawan Singh did not attend on February 11, citing ill health.
Jyoti Seeks Maintenance
During the ongoing proceedings, Jyoti Singh has sought financial support if Pawan Singh does not wish to continue living with her.
Her lawyer said Jyoti has sought Rs 10 crore and a house as maintenance, according to the details presented in the case.
The proceedings relate to maintenance, which generally refers to financial support for necessities such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical care.
What Is Alimony?
Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, maintenance can include interim and permanent forms of financial support.
Interim maintenance, under Section 24, may be granted during the pendency of matrimonial proceedings to meet living and legal expenses.
Permanent alimony, under Section 25, may be granted after a decree of divorce or other matrimonial relief. The court considers factors including the parties’ income, assets, financial needs and responsibilities while determining the amount.
Pawan Singh’s First Marriage
Pawan Singh was previously married to Neelam Singh in 2014. Neelam died by suicide in 2015.
Pawan Singh later married Jyoti Singh in 2018. Reports of marital differences emerged within months of the second marriage, followed by divorce proceedings.
During the 2024 Lok Sabha election, when Pawan Singh contested independently from Karakat, Jyoti Singh campaigned for him. Reports at the time suggested that the couple had reconciled, but reports of their separation resurfaced after the election
