Yes, an NRI husband can be made to pay maintenance through Chennai courts, since Indian courts, following well-established Supreme Court precedent, have consistently held that residing abroad does not exempt a spouse from maintenance obligations under Section 125 CrPC/BNSS or the Hindu Marriage Act, provided the Chennai court has jurisdiction over the matter.

Chennai Family Courts can pass maintenance orders against an NRI respondent even in their absence, provided proper service of notice has been effected, including through permitted modes such as registered post, email, or service through the Indian embassy in the country of residence, and the respondent fails to appear or contest despite valid service.

Enforcement of such orders against an NRI can be more challenging, and petitioners often pursue attachment of any property or bank accounts held in India, impounding of passport in certain enforcement proceedings, or, where a reciprocating arrangement exists, seek enforcement through foreign courts as well.

Given the practical challenges of enforcing maintenance orders across borders, it is important to build a strong case and explore all available enforcement mechanisms from the outset. Reaching out via Aapka Legal Advice can help you navigate NRI maintenance claims effectively.

Because cross-border enforcement requires specific procedural knowledge, obtaining a second opinion from a retired judge on the best strategy for your case can significantly improve your chances of actual recovery. Experienced divorce lawyers and retired judges are available through Aapka Legal Advice's Chennai divorce lawyer directory.

In conclusion, an NRI husband can indeed be made to pay maintenance through Chennai courts, provided jurisdiction and proper service are established, though enforcement may require additional cross-border strategies