New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by the former Inspector General of Uttar Pradesh Police, Devendra Kishore Panda, challenging a Allahabad High Court order that directed him to pay Rs.6,700 a month as maintenance to his wife.

A Bench, comprising Justices B.N. Agrawal and P.P. Naolekar, declined to entertain the petition after hearing senior counsel M.N. Krishnamani appearing for the petitioner.

Counsel contended that the High Court proceeded on the wrong premise that Mr. Panda was getting Rs.20,000 a month as pension; he was getting only Rs.12,800. He was prepared to pay one-third of the pension as maintenance to his wife, Veena Panda alias Seema, and a lump-sum amount as a one time full and final settlement.

The Bench noted that as it was only an interim order, the petitioner should go back to the High Court for relief.

A petition filed by Mr. Panda, seeking divorce, is pending in a trial court in Uttar Pradesh. Another petition by his wife for restitution of conjugal rights is also pending in the court..

Mr. Panda, who is called "Doosri Radha," resigned his post, following complaints that he was dressing up like Radha. He claimed he was doing so under instructions from Krishna.

Dressed in a saffron robe, Mr. Panda was present in the court. The Bench asked him, "Are you Radha or Krishna today?" Counsel said Mr. Panda was only a follower of Krishna.

The Bench told Mr. Panda, "You were going nearer to God. Why do you worry about worldly materials? You should be in Mathura or Gokul," and dismissed the petition.

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