The Karnataka High Court recently emphasized that the purpose of alimony is to secure the financial stability of the dependent spouse, not to punish the other spouse. This ruling came in response to a writ petition challenging a Family Court order that directed a husband to pay ₹25,000 per month as maintenance to his estranged wife and their two children.
The husband argued that he lacked the financial means to pay such a high amount, but the wife maintained that the maintenance was justified, especially since she was unemployed, and one of their children had a disability.
The court dismissed the husband’s claim, underscoring that it is the husband’s primary duty to provide for his wife and children, particularly in cases of disablement. Citing religious texts like the Holy Quran and Hadith, the court reminded the husband of his obligation to care for his family.
Justice Krishna S Dixit, presiding over the bench, stated, “The goal of alimony, whether interim or permanent, is to ensure that the dependent spouse does not fall into destitution or homelessness due to the breakdown of the marriage. It is not intended as a punishment for the other spouse.”
The court further clarified that there is no fixed formula for determining the exact amount of maintenance. Instead, it depends on the circumstances of each case, including the financial condition of both parties. The court noted that no evidence was provided to show that the wife had any income or was gainfully employed, placing the responsibility for financial support squarely on the husband’s shoulders.
The court also stressed that maintenance orders are made at the discretion of the court and must adhere to the principles of reason and justice. In this case, no material evidence was provided to suggest that the Family Court’s maintenance order was unjust or unreasonable.
Consequently, the Karnataka High Court rejected the husband’s petition, affirming the Family Court’s decision to provide financial support for the wife and children.
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