SC lays down 8 factors for deciding alimony amount
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday detailed key factors to examine when determining alimony in divorce cases, amidst the current discussion over the suicide of Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash, who claimed harassment from his wife and in-laws.
While deciding a divorce case on Tuesday and determining the alimony amount, a bench comprising of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Prasanna V. Varale adopted an eight-point formula to assist the assessment of maintenance for a woman after divorce, TNIE reported.
The factors outlined by the court include:
1. The social and economic status of both the husband and wife.
2. The basic needs of the wife and any children in the future.
3. The qualifications and employment status of both parties.
4. The sources of income and assets owned by both individuals.
5. The standard of living enjoyed by the wife while residing at her in-laws' house.
6. The employment status of the wife.
7. A reasonable amount to cover the wife’s legal expenses if she is not employed.
8. The financial status of the husband, including his earnings, other responsibilities, and the impact of the maintenance allowance.
This verdict coincides with public outcry over the tragic death of Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru-based techie. Subhash, who had reportedly suffered from years of emotional turmoil as a result of marital troubles, was discovered dead at his home in the Manjunath Layout area of Marathahalli police station on Monday.
A placard stating "Justice is due" was found in the room where he allegedly committed suicide. Subhash said in his suicide letter that he had faced many legal proceedings and was harassed by his wife, her relatives, and a judge in Uttar Pradesh.
His death has roused significant debate about the abuse of legal remedies in marital disputes, as well as the emotional toll that such battles may exact.
