Mr. L.N. Mittal, J.: (Oral) - Along with this appeal filed by Mukesh Kumar Aggarwal, cross-objections filed in the appeal by respondents i.e. appellant’s daughter and her mother shall also stand disposed of.

2. Smriti @ Mishu-respondent No.1 herein, then a minor, earlier filed suit through her mother Meenakshi Aggarwal-respondent No.2 herein as next friend against the minor’s father Mukesh Kumar Aggarwal appellant herein seeking maintenance.

3. Learned trial Court vide judgment and decree dated21.05.1997 directed both parents of the minor to pay Rs.2,000/- per month from the date of registration of the suit i.e. 13.09.1996 as maintenance to be shared equally by both the parents. In first appeal, lower appellate Court vide judgment and decree dated 16.10.2001 enhanced the maintenance amount to Rs.5,000/- per month from the date of said judgment and decree to be shared equally by both the parents. Respondent No.1 herein has filed RSA No.4816 of 2001 for further enhancement of the maintenance amount. The said second appeal shall also stand disposed of by this common judgment. The said appeal has been admitted to consider following substantial questions of law:

1. Whether the