The Family Court must consider the maintainability petition before proceeding with the maintenance case.

K.BABU, J.

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O.P (Crl) No.42 of 2026 ---------------------------------------

Dated this the 29^th day of January, 2026 JUDGMENT The prayers in this Original Petition (Criminal) are as follows:

“1. Set aside the Order dated 20.06.2025 in Crl. M.P.

No. 1/2024 in M.C. No. 161/2024 (Exhibit P4).

2. Direct the Family Court to hear and dispose of the maintainability petition (Exhibit P3) before proceeding further with M.C No.161/2024.

3. Grant such other reliefs as this Hon'ble Court deems fit and proper in the circumstances of the case.”

2. The petitioner is the respondent in M.C No.161/2024 on the file of the Family Court, Pathanamthitta.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner confined the relief to give a direction to the Family Court, Pathanamthitta to consider Ext.P3 before proceeding further in the Maintenance Case.

4. Having regard to the relief sought for, the Family Court, Pathanamthitta is directed to consider and dispose of Ext.P3 in accordance with law.

The Original Petition stands disposed of as above.

Sd/-