The Supreme Court of India has criticized a woman for seeking ₹12 crore in alimony, a luxury BMW car, and a flat in Mumbai from her estranged husband after a short-lived marriage of just 18 months.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria, reserved its order on July 21 while hearing the matrimonial dispute.
During the hearing, the woman, who appeared in person, stated that she wanted a Mumbai flat free of cost and ₹12 crore as one-time permanent maintenance. The Bench questioned the demand, noting the brief duration of the marriage and her professional qualifications.
CJI Gavai asked her directly:
“You hold an MBA, have worked in the IT sector, and can easily find employment in cities like Bengaluru or Hyderabad. Why don’t you work?”
The Court observed that demanding such a large sum was unreasonable given the circumstances, remarking, “The marriage lasted only 18 months. You are seeking a crore a month?”
The woman argued that her husband, who came from a wealthy background, had sought annulment by calling her mentally ill. She claimed he had labeled her schizophrenic.
Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the husband, countered that the woman was educated and employable and could not expect indefinite financial support.
The Court examined the husband’s financial disclosures, which showed an income of ₹2.5 crore and a ₹1 crore bonus in the year 2015–16. It also noted that the woman was already living in the disputed Mumbai flat, which had two parking spaces that could also generate income.
The Bench emphasized that she could not claim her father-in-law’s properties and eventually gave her two choices:
- Accept the flat without legal encumbrances, or
- Take a lump sum settlement of ₹4 crore.
The Chief Justice firmly stated that educated individuals should not deliberately remain unemployed and then demand exaggerated maintenance. He added:
“You are well-educated. You should not depend on handouts. You should earn and live with dignity.”
The Court also assured the woman that her concerns regarding pending FIRs affecting her employability could be addressed, even by quashing them if necessary.
The matter has now been reserved for final orders.
Be a part our social media community:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianMan.in?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/indianman.in?igsh=MWZ2N3N0ZmpwM3l3cw==
