<article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-WEB:4266114a-d418-435f-a5b3-13ab59fec488-7" data-testid="conversation-turn-16" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant">
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<p data-start="42" data-end="430"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The <span class="text-token-text-primary font-semibold">Delhi High Court</span> has ruled that alimony cannot be awarded to a spouse who is financially independent. The decision came from a Division Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, who made it clear that permanent alimony is meant to provide financial support to someone in real need, not to equalize incomes between two capable individuals.</span></p>
<p data-start="432" data-end="768"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The judges noted that anyone seeking alimony must prove a genuine need for financial assistance. They stressed that judicial discretion under Section 25 of the <span class="text-token-text-primary font-semibold">Hindu Marriage Act</span> must be applied carefully, keeping in mind the financial capacity of both parties and whether the applicant truly faces economic hardship.</span></p>
<p data-start="770" data-end="1208"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The case involved a couple who married in January 2010 but separated within 14 months. Both had been married earlier. The husband, a practising lawyer, accused his wife, a senior <span class="text-token-text-primary font-semibold">Indian Railway Traffic Service</span> officer, of mental and physical cruelty. He alleged she used abusive language, sent insulting messages, denied conjugal rights, and humiliated him publicly. The wife denied the claims and accused him of cruelty in return.</span></p>
<p data-start="1210" data-end="1581"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The family court had earlier granted the husband a divorce and rejected the wife&rsquo;s demand for ₹50 lakh as part of a financial settlement. This demand, the court observed, indicated that her opposition to the divorce was financially motivated rather than emotional. The High Court upheld that finding, agreeing that the resistance was not rooted in love or reconciliation.</span></p>
<p data-start="1583" data-end="1850"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The judges also observed that the wife had used degrading language against the husband and his mother, including questioning his legitimacy. The text messages presented in court were seen as causing serious mental distress, supporting the husband&rsquo;s claims of cruelty.</span></p>
<p data-start="1852" data-end="2165"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The court ultimately denied the wife&rsquo;s claim for alimony, pointing out that she was a senior government official earning a substantial salary and did not demonstrate any financial need. It also noted the short duration of the marriage, absence of children, and lack of credible evidence of economic vulnerability.</span></p>
<p data-start="2167" data-end="2317" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The husband was represented by Senior Advocate Rakesh Tiku and advocate Arpan Wadhawan. Advocates Sarim Naved and Zeeshan Ahmad appeared for the wife.</span></p>
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Delhi HC: No alimony if spouse is self-reliant

HC upholds family court order denying alimony to IRTS officer, citing financial indepence

Delhi HC: No alimony if spouse is self-reliant

HC upholds family court order denying alimony to IRTS officer, citing financial indepence

October 18, 2025 | 11:14 IST