The Delhi High Court decreed on Friday that alimony could not be granted to a “self-sufficient” spouse in case of a divorce. The The Bench noted that permanent alimony was intended as a measure of social justice and not a tool to enrich or equalise the financial status of two capable individuals. The plea was filed by a woman employed in the Indian Railways Traffic Service, and sought permanent alimony and compensation from her lawyer ex-husband. Their marriage was dissolved by a family court on the grounds of cruelty.

“Judicial discretion cannot be exercised to award alimony where the applicant is financially self-sufficient and independent, and such discretion must be exercised properly and judiciously, based on the record, the relative financial capacities of the parties, and the absen

See Full Page