What is interim maintenance?

This is the maintenance a court orders while a case (like a divorce) is still going on, basically financial support for the period between filing the case and the final decision so the dependent spouse isn't left without means while the litigation drags on. It's granted under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act and usually covers both living expenses and the cost of fighting the case. In simpler terms interim maintenance is temporary financial support granted during the pendency of legal proceedings to help meet the applicant's day to day expenses and litigation costs.