New Delhi: In a significant judgment that reinforces the principle of fairness in matrimonial disputes, the Delhi High Court has ruled that permanent alimony cannot be awarded to a spouse who is financially independent and self-sufficient, observing that such provisions exist as a measure of social justice, not as a means for financial gain.

A Division Bench comprising Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar delivered the ruling while dismissing an appeal filed by a senior Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer seeking alimony from her estranged husband, a practising advocate. The couple, both previously divorced, had married in January 2010 but separated within 14 months of marriage.

The court upheld the Family Court’s earlier decision, which had granted divorc

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