New Delhi, Sept. 20 -- The Kerala High Court has ruled that a Muslim man cannot justify multiple marriages if he lacks the means to support his wives, especially when one seeks maintenance through the court. The High Court made the observation while hearing a plea from a woman seeking Rs.10,000 monthly maintenance from her husband, who survives by begging.

Justice PV Kunhikrishnan noted that the man, even though he is blind and survives by begging, has been threatening the petitioner - the second wife - that he will marry for the third time. The court also observed that he was receiving Rs.25,000 from various sources.

"Even though he is blind and a beggar, as stated by the petitioner, who is his second wife, he has been threatening her ...