The Allahabad High Court has directed Samajwadi Party MP from Rampur, Maulana Mohibbullah Nadvi, to regularly pay ₹55,000 as maintenance to his fourth wife or face strict legal consequences. The court has also referred the matter to its mediation centre in an attempt to settle the ongoing marital dispute amicably.

The order was passed by Justice Subhash Chandra Sharma while hearing Nadvi’s plea challenging an earlier ruling by the Agra Family Court dated April 1, 2024. The lower court had directed Nadvi to provide financial assistance to his wife, a decision he sought to overturn.

During the hearing, Nadvi’s counsel informed the bench that the MP was willing to resolve the issue through peaceful means. Taking note of this, the High Court said that since the case involves a matrimonial conflict, mediation would be an appropriate step forward.

The court granted three months for both parties to reach an agreement. In the meantime, Nadvi has been ordered to deposit ₹55,000, which includes ₹30,000 per month as interim maintenance. The judge clearly stated that if the MP fails to comply with the payment order or if mediation fails, the interim protection granted to him will be revoked, paving the way for further legal proceedings.

This development comes amid the growing rift between SP veteran Azam Khan and Rampur MP Mohibbullah Nadvi, a fallout that began during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nadvi, a political newcomer, was fielded by SP president Akhilesh Yadav for the Rampur seat — a move that upset Azam Khan, who had long dominated the constituency’s politics.

Tensions deepened after Azam Khan’s release from jail on September 23, when he chose to meet Akhilesh Yadav privately and refused to meet Nadvi, stating bluntly that he didn’t know him. Nadvi, reportedly sidelined during the visit, remained in Bareilly while Akhilesh and Khan met in Rampur — a meeting that further highlighted the party’s internal discord.