Financially independent spouse not entitled to alimony, rules Delhi HC

'ALIMONY MEANT TO SUPPORT DEPENDENTS, NOT EQUALISE INCOMES'

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The Delhi High Court has held that a spouse who is financially self-sufficient and independent is not entitled to alimony, observing that the purpose of permanent alimony under the Hindu Marriage Act is to provide financial support to a dependent partner - not to equalise the incomes of two capable individuals.

A Division Bench comprising Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar ruled that "judicial discretion under Section 25 [of Hindu Marriage Act (HMA)] cannot be exercised to award alimony where the applicant is financially self-sufficient and independent."