How Is Alimony Calculated in India? Factors Courts Consider in Divorce Cases
When a marriage ends in separation or divorce, one question often becomes a major source of concern: how is alimony calculated in India?
There is no fixed percentage of salary that automatically determines how much one spouse must pay the other. Nor does Indian law prescribe a single formula that applies to every divorce. Courts examine the financial circumstances of both spouses, their reasonable needs, their standard of living during the marriage, their earning capacity, family responsibilities and other relevant factors before deciding whether maintenance should be granted and, if so, in what amount.
The objective is to arrive at a fair and legally sustainable arrangement. A spouse who has depended financially on the other should not be left without reasonable support. At the same time, the amount awarded must be assessed in light of the paying spouse’s actual financial capacity and legitimate obligations.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai, 2026 INSC 577, decided on 27 May 2026, offers a useful illustration. In that case, the Court awarded ₹50 lakh as permanent alimony while dissolving the marriage under Article 142 of the Constitution. The amount was determined in the context of that particular dispute; it does not establish a standard amount for other divorces.
Understanding how alimony is calculated in India therefore requires more than looking at salaries or comparing awards in different judgments. It requires an understanding of the applicable law, the evidence courts consider and the principles developed through Supreme Court decisions.
What Is Alimony, Maintenance and Permanent Alimony?
Alimony and maintenance generally refer to financial support payable by one spouse to the other where the applicable law permits it. Depending on the legal provision and the circumstances, support may be granted while matrimonial proceedings are pending or after a decree of divorce.
Payments may be periodic, such as monthly maintenance, or may take the form of a one-time lump sum.
The applicable legal provision depends on the parties’ circumstances, the nature of the proceedings and the relief being sought. Several statutory frameworks may be relevant.
Legal Provisions Governing Alimony and Maintenance in India
1. Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Section 24 provides for maintenance pendente lite and expenses of proceedings. It allows either spouse to seek financial support during matrimonial proceedings if that spouse does not have sufficient independent income for their support and the necessary expenses of the proceedings.
The provision is not restricted to wives. A husband may also apply if the statutory conditions are satisfied.
2. Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Section 25 deals with permanent alimony and maintenance. Subject to the provision’s requirements, a court may order payment as a gross sum or through monthly or periodical payments.
The court considers the parties’ income and property, their conduct and the other circumstances of the case. Section 25(2) also permits variation, modification or rescission of an order where the statutory conditions are met.
3. Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 144 of the BNSS, which came into force on 1 July 2024, replaced the corresponding summary maintenance provision under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
It provides a remedy for a wife, including a divorced wife who has not remarried, as well as eligible children and parents who cannot maintain themselves, subject to the statutory requirements.
4. Section 20 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Section 20 permits monetary relief, including maintenance, where the requirements of the Domestic Violence Act are satisfied.
Other personal laws also contain provisions dealing with maintenance and financial support.
Comparison of Alimony and Maintenance Provisions
| Legal Provision | Primary Purpose | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 | Maintenance during matrimonial proceedings | Either spouse may apply if the statutory conditions are satisfied. |
| Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 | Permanent alimony and maintenance | Payment may be ordered as a gross sum or through monthly or periodical payments. |
| Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 | Summary maintenance | Provides a remedy for eligible wives, children and parents who cannot maintain themselves, subject to statutory requirements. |
| Section 20 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 | Monetary relief, including maintenance | Relief is available where the requirements of the Domestic Violence Act are satisfied. |
These remedies are related, but they are not interchangeable. Their scope, eligibility requirements and procedures differ. Identifying the correct legal provision is therefore an important first step in any maintenance or alimony claim.
Supreme Court Judgment: Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai
The Supreme Court’s decision in Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai, 2026 INSC 577, provides a recent illustration of how the Court may approach permanent alimony when it considers the particular circumstances of a marriage.
| Case | Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai, 2026 INSC 577, Civil Appeal arising out of SLP (C) No. 971 of 2025 |
|---|---|
| Decision Date | 27 May 2026 |
| Bench | Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta |
| Official Judgment | Supreme Court judgment PDF |
The parties married on 19 April 2017 according to Hindu rites. The husband was an officer in the Indian Army, while the wife was a qualified dental surgeon holding a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree.
Serious differences developed between them, and they had been living separately for more than eight years. Their dispute also led to multiple legal proceedings, including proceedings connected with the Army Act, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, the predecessor to Section 144 of the BNSS.
The Earlier Settlement and Return of ₹20 Lakh
The parties had previously explored a mutual-consent divorce. The proposed settlement amount was initially ₹31 lakh and was later revised to ₹32 lakh. The husband paid ₹20 lakh under the arrangement, but the second motion for mutual-consent divorce was never filed.
The proposed settlement consequently did not result in the intended divorce. Following a Supreme Court order dated 18 March 2026, the wife returned the entire ₹20 lakh through two demand drafts of ₹10 lakh each, dated 6 April and 20 April 2026.
The dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court after the High Court dismissed the husband’s appeal.
Why Did the Supreme Court Award ₹50 Lakh?
The Supreme Court concluded that the marriage had irretrievably broken down. Exercising its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, it dissolved the marriage and fixed permanent alimony at ₹50 lakh.
The amount was payable in two instalments:
- First instalment: ₹25 lakh by 15 June 2026.
- Second instalment: ₹25 lakh by 15 September 2026.
The Court treated the amount as a one-time, full and final settlement of all claims, past and future, arising from the marriage. It also directed that, upon payment, no further maintenance claims would survive under Section 125 of the CrPC or the applicable Army Act and Rules, and that the pending proceedings would be closed.
In arriving at its decision, the Court considered the parties’ earning capacities, their respective standards of living, the duration of the marriage, the lengthy separation and the wife’s need for financial security.
The decision illustrates why alimony cannot be determined by looking at one figure in isolation. The Court considered the broader circumstances and sought to bring the parties’ financial and legal disputes to a comprehensive conclusion.
The ₹50 lakh award is not a universal benchmark for alimony in India. It was made in the particular circumstances of this case, in the exercise of the Supreme Court’s constitutional powers under Article 142. It should not be treated as a minimum amount, a standard entitlement or a formula for calculating awards in other divorce cases.
Supreme Court Guidelines on Maintenance Calculation
The legal framework for determining maintenance was comprehensively addressed in Rajnesh v. Neha, (2021) 2 SCC 324, decided on 4 November 2020.
The Supreme Court laid down guidelines concerning financial disclosure, the determination of maintenance, overlapping claims under different laws, the date from which maintenance may be awarded and the enforcement of maintenance orders.
One of the judgment’s practical contributions was its emphasis on transparency. Courts need a reasonably complete picture of both parties’ financial positions before they can assess a maintenance claim fairly.
The principles have also been discussed in subsequent decisions, including Kiran Jyot Maini v. Anish Pramod Patel, 2024 INSC 530, decided on 15 July 2024, and Parvin Kumar Jain v. Anju Jain, 2024 INSC 961, decided on 10 December 2024.
Eight Considerations for Permanent Alimony
In Parvin Kumar Jain, the Supreme Court identified eight broad considerations relevant to permanent alimony:
- The social and financial status of the parties.
- The reasonable needs of the spouse seeking maintenance and any dependent children.
- The educational qualifications and employment status of both parties.
- The independent income and assets of the spouse seeking maintenance.
- The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.
- Any employment or career sacrifices made because of family responsibilities.
- Reasonable litigation expenses for a non-working spouse.
- The paying spouse’s financial capacity, income, maintenance obligations and liabilities.
These considerations help courts organise their assessment, but they are not an exhaustive statutory checklist. The Supreme Court has made clear that such factors are guidelines, not a rigid formula. Their relevance and weight depend on the circumstances of the particular case.
Factors Courts Consider When Calculating Alimony
So, what actually influences the amount of alimony?
Courts look beyond the salary credited to a bank account each month. They consider the financial position of both parties, their reasonable expenses, their responsibilities and the circumstances in which the marriage was lived.
The following table summarises the principal considerations.
| Factor | What the Court May Consider |
|---|---|
| Income of both spouses | Salary, professional earnings, business income, rental receipts, investments and other financial resources |
| Earning capacity | Qualifications, work experience, employment history and realistic ability to earn |
| Reasonable needs | Housing, food, clothing, transport, medical expenses and other established living costs |
| Standard of living during marriage | The lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage, considered alongside the parties’ financial capacity |
| Independent income and assets | Whether the spouse seeking maintenance has sufficient resources to meet reasonable needs |
| Career sacrifices | Career interruptions or reduced earning opportunities resulting from childcare, household responsibilities or support for the other spouse’s career |
| Duration of marriage and separation | Length of the marriage, period of separation and history of financial interdependence |
| Dependent children | Education, housing, healthcare and other necessary expenses, assessed separately from the question of spousal maintenance |
| Liabilities and dependants | Genuine loan repayments, medical expenses, dependent parents and other legitimate financial obligations |
| Inflation and cost of living | The cost of meeting ongoing needs and the adequacy of long-term financial support |
| Conduct and other circumstances | Factors relevant under the applicable law, including the considerations specified in Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act |
No single factor automatically determines the outcome. A court weighs the relevant circumstances together and examines the evidence before deciding what amount, if any, is justified.
Why Financial Disclosure Matters
A maintenance application should be supported by reliable information rather than broad claims about income or expenses.
Depending on the case, relevant documents may include:
- Salary slips and employment records.
- Income-tax returns.
- Bank statements.
- Details of business, rental or professional income.
- Property and investment records.
- Loan statements and evidence of genuine liabilities.
- Documents showing household expenses and medical costs.
- Details of existing maintenance orders and dependent family members.
In Rajnesh v. Neha, the Supreme Court emphasised the importance of affidavits disclosing assets and liabilities. Proper disclosure helps the court assess the parties’ actual financial circumstances and account for existing maintenance arrangements.
Is Alimony Calculated as a Percentage of Salary?
No. Indian law does not prescribe a universal percentage of salary that must be paid as alimony.
You may come across claims that alimony should automatically amount to 25%, 30% or 50% of the paying spouse’s income. Such figures should not be treated as binding legal rules.
A percentage may sometimes serve as a starting point in settlement discussions, but it cannot replace a proper assessment of the facts.
Consider two people who earn the same monthly salary. One may have few financial commitments and substantial disposable income. The other may have significant medical expenses, dependent parents, loan obligations and existing maintenance payments. The financial needs of the spouses seeking maintenance may also be very different.
Applying the same percentage to both situations would ignore those differences.
When determining how alimony is calculated in India, the more useful question is not simply how much one spouse earns. It is how the parties’ financial circumstances, reasonable needs and obligations compare, and what arrangement is justified under the applicable law.
Permanent Alimony Versus Interim Maintenance
The terms interim maintenance and permanent alimony are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they refer to different forms of financial relief.
| Particulars | Interim Maintenance | Permanent Alimony |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To address financial needs while proceedings are pending | To provide longer-term financial support under the applicable law |
| Timing | During the relevant proceedings | At the time of a decree or subsequently, where permitted |
| Form of payment | Usually periodic | May be a lump sum or periodic payments |
| Main considerations | Immediate needs, available income and statutory requirements | Income, assets, reasonable needs, standard of living and other relevant circumstances |
| Duration | Depends on the proceedings and the terms of the order | Depends on the order and the applicable law |
| Modification | Depends on the governing provision and circumstances | May be possible where the law permits and the required change in circumstances is established |
An interim maintenance order does not automatically settle the question of permanent alimony. A court must assess the relief sought under the relevant legal provision, taking account of existing orders and payments where appropriate.
Can an Employed Wife Receive Alimony?
Yes. Employment does not automatically disqualify a wife from receiving maintenance.
The relevant question is whether her independent income and resources are sufficient in the circumstances and whether she meets the requirements of the applicable law.
For example, a wife may be employed but earn substantially less than her husband. She may also have taken a career break during the marriage, have significant responsibilities for dependent children or face expenses that her income cannot reasonably cover.
These circumstances do not guarantee an award. They are relevant considerations that must be assessed alongside the parties’ wider financial positions and the applicable statutory requirements.
The same principle should not be reduced to a simplistic rule that an employed spouse can never receive maintenance. Each claim must be decided on its facts.
Can a Husband Claim Alimony From His Wife?
Yes, under Sections 24 and 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, a husband may seek maintenance or permanent alimony if the relevant statutory conditions are satisfied.
Section 24 addresses maintenance and litigation expenses during matrimonial proceedings where a spouse lacks sufficient independent income. Section 25 concerns permanent alimony and maintenance.
A husband is not automatically entitled to financial support merely because his wife earns more. Equally, his claim cannot be rejected solely because he is a man. The court must consider the applicable law, the parties’ respective financial circumstances and the evidence presented.
The precise availability of relief depends on the statute under which the claim is brought.
Lump-Sum Alimony Versus Monthly Payments
Permanent alimony may take the form of a lump sum or monthly or periodical payments, where the applicable law permits.
A lump-sum payment can provide financial certainty and help bring related disputes to an end. It may be suitable where the parties can agree on a reasonable amount and the payment terms are clear.
Periodic maintenance, on the other hand, may be more appropriate where continuing support is needed or a large immediate payment would be impractical.
Neither arrangement is automatically better in every case. The appropriate structure depends on the parties’ financial positions, the nature of the claim and the terms of any court order or settlement.
What Should a Divorce Settlement Include?
When negotiating a divorce settlement amount, the parties should be clear about:
- The total amount payable.
- Whether payment will be made in one lump sum or instalments.
- How any earlier payments will be accounted for.
- The due dates and consequences of non-payment.
- Which pending proceedings or claims are intended to be resolved.
- Whether arrears or other financial obligations are included.
- How child-related expenses and responsibilities will be addressed.
The wording matters. A private understanding or informal promise does not necessarily bring every pending legal claim to an end. The effect of a settlement depends on its terms, the applicable law and any required court order.
The Salil Dhawan decision illustrates this point. The Supreme Court did not merely fix an amount; it also specified the full-and-final nature of the settlement and the consequences for the relevant pending claims once payment was made.
How Do Courts Assess a Divorce Settlement Amount?
A divorce settlement may deal with several matters at once, including permanent alimony, outstanding maintenance, property-related issues and the resolution of pending proceedings. Child support and other responsibilities may also need separate consideration.
A fair settlement should be based on reliable financial information and should clearly identify what is being resolved.
In Rajnesh v. Neha, the Supreme Court stressed the importance of disclosure of assets and liabilities. Salary slips, income-tax returns, bank statements, property documents, investment records, loan statements and evidence of existing financial obligations may all help establish the parties’ financial positions.
Incomplete disclosure can make it more difficult to assess a claim fairly. Where a party believes that the other spouse has not fully disclosed income or assets, the issue should be addressed through the appropriate legal process and supporting evidence.
There is no reliable way to estimate a settlement amount simply by comparing it with an award made in another divorce case. The facts, evidence and applicable legal provisions must be considered individually.
Can a Maintenance or Alimony Order Be Modified?
In some circumstances, yes.
Section 25(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act permits a court to vary, modify or rescind an order for permanent alimony where the circumstances of either party have changed and the statutory requirements are satisfied.
A material change may involve a substantial alteration in income, a serious illness affecting earning capacity or a significant change in the financial circumstances of the person receiving maintenance.
However, not every change will justify modification. The party seeking a change must establish the relevant circumstances and satisfy the requirements of the applicable law.
A lump-sum settlement described as full and final may raise different legal questions from an order for recurring payments. Its wording, the scope of the claims resolved and the applicable statutory provisions must be examined carefully before drawing conclusions about whether further relief is available.
A Practical Example: How Alimony May Be Assessed
Consider a couple in which the husband earns ₹1.8 lakh a month and the wife earns ₹45,000 a month. They have one dependent child. The wife took a career break during the marriage, while the husband supports dependent parents and repays a housing loan.
It would be misleading to calculate maintenance by automatically applying a percentage to the husband’s salary.
A court may need to examine:
- The income and assets of both spouses.
- Their reasonable monthly expenses.
- The child’s education, housing and healthcare needs.
- The effect of the wife’s career break on her earning capacity.
- The husband’s genuine liabilities and responsibilities.
- The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.
- Any existing maintenance orders or payments.
- The statutory provision under which relief is sought.
The outcome would depend on the evidence and the circumstances of the case. These figures are illustrative only and should not be treated as a prediction of what a court would award.
Common Misconceptions About Alimony in India
Several assumptions can lead to unrealistic expectations or poorly structured settlements.
1. Alimony Is Always a Fixed Percentage of Salary
Incorrect. Indian law does not prescribe a universal percentage for every case.
2. An Employed Wife Cannot Claim Maintenance
Incorrect. Employment is relevant, but it does not automatically disqualify a spouse. The sufficiency of independent income and the applicable legal requirements matter.
3. Only Wives Can Claim Maintenance Under the Hindu Marriage Act
Incorrect. Sections 24 and 25 are available to either spouse, subject to their respective statutory conditions.
4. A Supreme Court Award Establishes the Standard Amount for Every Divorce
Incorrect. An award depends on the facts and the legal basis of the decision. The ₹50 lakh award in Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai is not a general tariff.
5. A Private Settlement Automatically Ends Every Legal Proceeding
Not necessarily. The settlement’s wording, the applicable law and any required court order determine its legal effect.
6. Child Support and Spousal Maintenance Are the Same Thing
They address different needs and should not be treated as interchangeable. A child’s expenses may require separate consideration.
7. Financial Disclosure Is Optional or Unimportant
Incorrect. Accurate disclosure helps the court assess income, assets, liabilities and existing obligations.
Understanding these distinctions can help parties approach negotiations more realistically and avoid relying on assumptions that have no universal legal basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Is Alimony Calculated in India?
There is no fixed formula. Courts consider the parties’ income, assets, reasonable needs, standard of living during the marriage, earning capacity, family responsibilities, liabilities and other relevant circumstances under the applicable law.
2. Is There a Fixed Percentage of Salary for Alimony?
No. Indian law does not prescribe a universal percentage of salary that applies to every maintenance or permanent alimony case.
3. What Is Permanent Alimony in India?
Permanent alimony is longer-term financial support that may be ordered under the applicable law. Depending on the circumstances and statutory provision, it may be paid as a lump sum or through periodic payments.
4. Can an Employed Wife Receive Alimony?
Yes, if the requirements of the applicable law are met. Her employment and income are relevant, but employment alone does not automatically bar a maintenance claim.
5. Can a Husband Claim Alimony From His Wife?
Yes. Under Sections 24 and 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, a husband may seek maintenance or permanent alimony where the respective statutory requirements are satisfied.
6. Does the Duration of a Marriage Affect Alimony?
Yes. The length of the marriage and the period of separation may be relevant, but neither factor independently determines the amount.
7. Does the ₹50 Lakh Award in Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai Apply to All Divorce Cases?
No. The award was made in the specific circumstances of that dispute under Article 142 of the Constitution. It is not a universal benchmark or a minimum entitlement.
8. Can Permanent Alimony Be Paid in Instalments?
Yes, where the court’s order or the parties’ legally effective arrangement provides for it. The amount, due dates and consequences of default should be clearly specified.
9. Can an Alimony Order Be Modified Later?
Modification may be possible where the applicable law permits it and the required change in circumstances is established. The position depends on the nature of the order and the governing provision.
10. Can Maintenance Be Claimed Under More Than One Law?
Overlapping proceedings may arise. In Rajnesh v. Neha, the Supreme Court addressed the need to disclose previous and pending maintenance proceedings so that courts can consider adjustment or set-off and avoid conflicting awards.
11. What Documents Are Useful in a Maintenance Case?
Depending on the circumstances, useful documents may include salary slips, income-tax returns, bank statements, property and investment records, loan documents, evidence of household and medical expenses, details of dependants and information about existing maintenance orders.
Conclusion
The answer to how is alimony calculated in India depends on the financial circumstances of the parties, their reasonable needs, their earning capacities, the standard of living during the marriage and the other factors relevant under the applicable law.
The Supreme Court’s decisions in Rajnesh v. Neha, Kiran Jyot Maini v. Anish Pramod Patel and Parvin Kumar Jain v. Anju Jain provide important guidance on maintenance and permanent alimony. The decision in Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai, 2026 INSC 577, illustrates how the Court may determine a comprehensive settlement in a particular dispute using its powers under Article 142.
The central point is that there is no universal amount that fits every divorce. A fair settlement must reflect the evidence, the parties’ actual financial circumstances and the legal provisions governing the claim. Anyone negotiating or contesting maintenance should obtain advice based on the facts of their own case rather than relying on salary percentages or awards made in unrelated disputes.
Need Legal Advice on Alimony or Divorce Maintenance in India?
Uncertainty about alimony, maintenance payments, or your financial rights during divorce can make an already difficult situation even more stressful. Understanding your legal options early can help you make informed decisions, protect your interests, and avoid costly mistakes during settlement negotiations.
Whether you need advice on calculating alimony, claiming or contesting maintenance, permanent alimony, interim maintenance, divorce settlements, or enforcement of maintenance orders, obtaining legal guidance tailored to your circumstances can make a meaningful difference.
Speak With an Experienced Supreme Court Advocate
Adv. Tarun Choudhury
Supreme Court Advocate | 25+ Years of Legal Experience
Get legal guidance on your circumstances, understand the applicable law, and explore the options available to you.
📞 Call for a Consultation: 9650499965
💬 WhatsApp for Legal Enquiries: 8851978611
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Don’t let confusion about alimony and maintenance prevent you from understanding your legal rights. Reach out to discuss your concerns and determine the appropriate next steps for your situation.
Every matrimonial dispute is different. Legal advice and possible outcomes depend on the facts, applicable law, and supporting evidence.
Primary Legal Authorities
- Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai, 2026 INSC 577 (27 May 2026) — https://api.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2024/61192/61192_2024_2_1502_71618_Judgement_27-May-2026.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Parvin Kumar Jain v. Anju Jain, 2024 INSC 961 (10 December 2024).
- Kiran Jyot Maini v. Anish Pramod Patel, 2024 INSC 530 (15 July 2024).
- Rajnesh v. Neha, (2021) 2 SCC 324 (4 November 2020).
Key Takeaways: How Is Alimony Calculated in India?
- No fixed formula: Alimony in India is not calculated using a universal percentage of a spouse’s salary. Courts assess the facts and financial circumstances of each case.
- Income of both spouses matters: Courts consider both parties’ income, assets, earning capacity, reasonable expenses, financial obligations and dependent family members.
- Standard of living is relevant: The lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage may influence the assessment of reasonable maintenance, alongside the parties’ actual financial capacity.
- Employment does not automatically disqualify a spouse: An employed wife may claim maintenance if the applicable legal requirements are satisfied. A husband may also seek maintenance under Sections 24 and 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, where the statutory conditions are met.
- Interim maintenance and permanent alimony are different: Interim maintenance addresses financial needs during proceedings, while permanent alimony provides longer-term support under the applicable law.
- Supreme Court guidelines provide direction: In Rajnesh v. Neha, the Supreme Court established important guidelines on financial disclosure, overlapping maintenance claims, determination of quantum and enforcement.
- Career sacrifices and family responsibilities can matter: Courts may consider career interruptions, childcare responsibilities, dependent children, genuine liabilities and the financial needs of both parties.
- The ₹50 lakh award is case-specific: In Salil Dhawan v. Priyanshi Ghai, 2026 INSC 577, the Supreme Court awarded ₹50 lakh as permanent alimony while dissolving the marriage under Article 142 of the Constitution. This amount is not a standard benchmark for other divorce cases.
- Financial disclosure is important: Salary slips, income-tax returns, bank statements, property records, investment details, loan documents and existing maintenance orders may help establish the parties’ financial positions.
- Maintenance orders may be modified in appropriate cases: Modification depends on the applicable law, the terms of the order and whether the required change in circumstances has been established.
- A divorce settlement should be clearly documented: The amount, payment schedule, treatment of previous payments, claims being resolved and consequences of default should be addressed in the settlement and any relevant court order.
In summary: Understanding how alimony is calculated in India requires examining the applicable law, the income and assets of both spouses, their reasonable needs, their standard of living and the circumstances of the marriage. There is no universal salary percentage or fixed amount that applies to every divorce.


