This revision arises against the order of learned Judicial Magistrate I, Attur, passed in C.M.P.No.2072 of 2015 in M.C.No.10 of 2012 on 18.09.2015.
2. Petitioner and first respondent are husband and wife. Second respondent is their minor daughter. Respondents moved M.C.No.10 of 2012 seeking maintenance. Court below, under orders dated 16.04.2015, directed the petitioner to pay a sum of Rs.2,500/- p.m. to each of the respondents towards maintenance, totalling a sum of Rs.5,000/- p.m. As the petitioner defaulted in payment of maintenance, respondents moved C.M.P.No.2072 of 2015 in M.C.No.10 of 2012. Court below, under orders dated 18.09.2015, issued non-bailable warrant against the petitioner and sentenced him to 1 month S.I. Aggrieved, the present revision has been filed.
3. Heard learned counsel for petitioner and learned counsel for respondents.
The Criminal Revision Case is allowed. The order of learned Judicial Magistrate I, Attur, passed in C.M.P.No.2072 of 2015 in M.C.No.10 of 2012 on 18.09.2015, is set aside. The matter is remitted back to Court below on the reasoning that Court below has proceeded to direct the arrest of the petitioner merely on finding that he has not paid the arrears of maintenance and thus, disobeyed its order. A reading of
Section 125 Cr.P.C. makes clear that before directing arrest as a consequence of non-payment of maintenance, Court concerned is to satisfy itself that the person to be arrested had no sufficient cause justifying his failure to do so. Court below shall now conduct an enquiry towards satisfying itself that the petitioner had failed to effect payment of maintenance 'without sufficient cause' and thereafter, proceed to pass orders afresh on merits. Connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
19.01.2017 Index:yes/no Internet:yes/no gm To The Judicial Magistrate I, Attur.
C.T. SELVAM, J gm Crl.R.C.No.1064 of 2015 19.01.2017 http://www.judis.nic.in