In a case that blends celebrity, finance, and family law, the Supreme Court of India has formally issued a notice to star fast bowler Mohammad Shami in response to his estranged wife Hasin Jahan’s plea for significantly higher interim maintenance. At the heart of the dispute is a simple but loaded question: Is ₹4 lakh per month—the amount awarded by the Calcutta High Court—truly enough to sustain Jahan and their daughter, given Shami’s reported wealth and public lifestyle?
This isn’t just a personal matter; it’s a legal precedent-in-the-making that touches on how courts assess maintenance for spouses of high-income public figures. Let’s unpack the timeline, the arguments, and what this means for Shami—on and off the field.
The Supreme Court’s involvement marks a critical escalation in a case that began years ago. On receiving Jahan’s appeal against the Calcutta High Court’s interim maintenance order, the apex court issued a formal notice to Shami, directing him to file a detailed response .
This doesn’t mean the Court has ruled against him—only that it finds Jahan’s arguments substantial enough to warrant a full hearing. The bench is expected to examine whether the current award aligns with Shami’s “means and status,” a key principle in Indian maintenance law.
The couple separated in 2018 following a series of public allegations, including a high-profile match-fixing claim (later dismissed by the BCCI). Since then, Jahan has sought financial support for herself and their daughter through the courts.
In 2023, the Calcutta High Court granted an interim maintenance of ₹4 lakh per month—₹3 lakh for Jahan and ₹1 lakh for their child . While substantial by ordinary standards, Jahan contends it’s inadequate given Shami’s earnings from cricket, brand endorsements, and business ventures.
Jahan’s legal team has built a multi-pronged case:
“Maintenance isn’t charity—it’s a right,” her lawyers assert, citing Section 125 of the CrPC and relevant family court precedents.
While Shami hasn’t publicly disclosed his finances, estimates from credible sources like ESPNCricinfo and IPL auction records paint a clear picture:
Combined, this suggests an annual income of ₹23+ crore—making ₹4 lakh/month (₹48 lakh/year) less than 2.1% of his total earnings, well below the 25–30% often considered reasonable in high-net-worth divorce cases globally.
Indian courts follow a nuanced approach:
Landmark cases like Rajnesh vs Neha (2021) have provided clearer formulas, but discretion remains with judges—especially in celebrity cases where “status” is highly visible.
This case has ignited a polarized public debate. Some fans accuse Jahan of “milking” Shami’s fame, while others argue she’s fighting for her child’s rightful future. Meanwhile, privacy advocates question whether athletes’ personal finances should be dissected in public court filings.
For Shami, who’s preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup, the distraction is unwelcome—but legally unavoidable [[INTERNAL_LINK:shami-ipl-performance-2025]].
Shami must now submit a detailed affidavit disclosing his income, assets, and expenses. The Supreme Court will then decide whether to uphold, modify, or send the case back to the High Court for reconsideration.
Legal experts suggest a revised interim order of ₹8–12 lakh/month is plausible if the Court accepts Jahan’s lifestyle argument.
The Mohammad Shami maintenance case transcends individual drama—it’s a test of how India’s legal system balances compassion, financial reality, and the rights of dependents in the age of celebrity wealth. While ₹4 lakh/month may seem astronomical to most, the Supreme Court’s scrutiny signals a growing expectation that maintenance must reflect not just survival, but dignity. As the case unfolds, it will set a benchmark not just for Shami, but for every high-earning public figure navigating family law in India.
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