Alimony Must Be Commensurate With Status Of Spouses: Calcutta HC
The Calcutta High Court recently emphasized that alimony must align with the actual status and needs of both spouses. It held that a wife’s limited financial means cannot justify restricting her alimony to an inadequate amount.

A wife sought ₹1 lakh per month in alimony, highlighting her husband’s substantial monthly income of ₹11.85 lakh as disclosed earlier. However, the husband later claimed his income was ₹3 lakh plus a fluctuating monthly bonus of ₹2.73 lakh, citing expenses and loans for his inability to pay higher alimony. The Court noted discrepancies in the husband’s statements, questioning how his income dropped significantly over time without valid justification.

It highlighted that a professional of his stature—a Cost and Management Accountant should not experience such a decline without clear reasons. The Court reiterated that alimony should range between one-fifth to one-third of the husband’s net income. The wife’s alimony should consider her lifestyle and status, not just her basic daily needs.

The husband’s inconsistent claims about his income weakened his arguments against paying ₹1 lakh per month. The Court granted the wife ₹1 lakh per month in alimony, stressing that financial support should reflect the husband’s true income and the wife’s reasonable requirements based on their social and financial status.

Source: – Live Law
By: – Rajat Ranjan
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