New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) An estranged wife's maintenance will be decided on the basis of her matrimonial home's and not her parental home's status, a city court ruled Tuesday.

Metropolitan Magistrate Twinkle Wadhwa said: 'It is the status of the complainant (woman) enjoyed by her in her matrimonial home according to which she is entitled to maintenance. Further, if the income of the husband increases, then the wife gets entitled to enhanced maintenance.'

The court gave this ruling while fixing a monthly maintenance of Rs.12,000 to a woman and her daughter under the Domestic Violence Act.

The woman, who worked with FICCI and earned Rs.8,000 a month, sought maintenance and other benefits from her Chartered Accountant husband, saying he used to earn about Rs.90,000 a month from his job as well as investments.

The man had contended that his wife was accustomed to a moderate standard of living and should be awarded maintenance in line with the status of her parents.