A case of paying back in the same coin?

An advocate knows better than the average lay person about what constitutes mental torture and harassment. Hence, when one such legal professional sent his estranged wife the entire sum of monthly maintenance to be paid before the divorce case is settled — Rs 24,600 — in Rs 1 and Rs 2 coins, his intention was presumably not to torment her.

Especially since he had thoughtfully deputed three of his staff to help the court and his wife count the coins. Whatever his intention, he should be commended for his diligence in collecting so many coins, that too of small denomination; Rs 5 coin are heavier but would have resulted in a lighter total weight. He should not be surprised, however, if his wife gets a slipped disc while carting the 150 kg of coins to the bank and then slaps him with a case of causing grievous injury.

While the judge is yet to pronounce on the case — the hearing was adjourned for a few days so that the coins could be counted — the husband’s ingenuity should not be allowed such free rein when it comes to future alimony settlements. Hopefully, both the judge and the lawyer are aware of e-banking and the government’s push to curb cash transactions. Given the lawyer’s inclination to stick to the letter not the spirit of laws, bank transfer of all monies between the couple clearly needs to be specifically mentioned.