In a significant hearing on July 21, the Supreme Court of India questioned the rationale behind a woman’s demand for ₹12 crore as one-time alimony and a flat in Mumbai from her estranged husband—following just 18 months of marriage.
The woman, an MBA graduate with prior experience in the IT sector, approached the apex court seeking permanent maintenance, including a flat in Mumbai and a lump sum settlement of ₹12 crore.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria heard the matter and expressed strong reservations about the scale of the financial demand. “It lasted just 18 months. And you are seeking a crore a month?” CJI Gavai remarked during the hearing, referring to the brief duration of the marriage.
When the bench asked about her qualifications, the woman said she held an MBA and had worked in IT. CJI Gavai responded, “You are employable in places like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Why not work?”
Representing the husband, Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan argued that the woman was capable of working and could not expect lifelong financial support. “She is educated and capable of working,” Divan said, adding that the demands were excessive and lacked legal basis.
The woman countered by saying her husband had earlier sought an annulment on the grounds of her being mentally ill. “He called me schizophrenic,” she told the court, questioning whether she appeared mentally unwell.
The bench directed the husband to produce his income tax records to determine a fair settlement. After reviewing the financial documents, the court presented the woman with two options: accept a flat in Mumbai with no legal conditions or take a lump sum of ₹4 crore.
In a stern message to educated individuals seeking large maintenance amounts, CJI Gavai noted, “You are well educated. You should not be depending on handouts. You should earn and live with dignity.”
The court has reserved its final order in the matter.
