No Permanent Alimony If Spouse Is Financially Independent: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has ruled that permanent alimony under Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 cannot be granted to a spouse who is financially self-sufficient.

A Division Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar upheld a family court’s decision denying alimony to a woman serving as a Group A IRTS officer. Her husband was an advocate. The court noted that her ₹50 lakh divorce settlement demand reflected a financial motive.

The couple’s marriage lasted 14 months, with no children. The court stressed that alimony is intended for social justice, not enrichment.