Mediation is crucial in family disputes, and the obligation for interim maintenance remains enforceable.

ORDER

Heard learned counsel for the petitioner-wife and learned counsel for the respondent-husband, who appears on caveat.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that there are two children born to the parties, who are 21 years old and 18 years old and thus, it is all the more imperative that an honourable settlement is reached between the parties so as not to jeopardize their future and also to take care of the well being of the petitioner-wife for the remaining period of her life.

3. Learned counsel for the parties are agreeable to go for mediation before the Supreme Court Mediation Centre (SCMC). Accordingly, the matter is referred to the SCMC.

4. The parties are directed to appear before the learned Mediator on 10.03.2026 at 02:30 p.m. through video conferencing. Thereafter, the learned Mediator shall take a call with regard to whether their presence is required physically before him/her.

5. Learned Mediator is requested to submit a report within two months thereafter.

6. List on 23.04.2026.

7. The Court directs the respondent to pay the up-to-date interim maintenance fixed as per the order dated 08.11.2019 of the Family Court, which still holds the field, within four weeks from today.

8. On the apprehension raised by learned counsel for the petitioner that the respondent would remarry and the Court may grant interim stay of the order impugned granting the respondent has no intention, at present, to remarry.

9. The aforesaid statement of learned counsel for the respondent is taken on record.