Strict Women Welfare Laws: Supreme Court’s Guidance

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Supreme Court warns against misuse of women welfare laws for extortion or harassment.
2. Alimony aims to improve the dependent spouse’s living standard, not equalise wealth.
3. A husband was ordered to pay ₹12 crore as full settlement to his estranged wife.
4. Criminal cases filed by the wife against the husband were quashed by the court.
5. Women were advised not to use legal provisions as tools of intimidation or extortion.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Supreme Court’s Key Observation

The Supreme Court expressed concerns over the misuse of strict laws meant for women’s welfare. It emphasized that alimony’s purpose is to provide a decent standard of living to a dependent spouse, not to equalize financial status.

Case Background

This remark came during a case involving techie Atul Subhas, who alleged that his wife demanded ₹2 lakh monthly maintenance, later escalating it to ₹3 crore annually.

Sanctity of Marriage Highlighted

Justices BV Nagarathna and Pankaj Mitha stated that Hindu marriage is a sacred institution, not a commercial venture. The husband was directed to pay ₹12 crore as a final settlement.

Misuse of Laws Addressed

The court urged women to refrain from using these welfare laws as tools of harassment or financial extortion. Instances of criminal complaints being misused for monetary demands were specifically highlighted.

Conclusion

While deciding alimony, the court stressed the need to consider the wife’s reasonable needs, her income, and other relevant factors, alongside the husband’s financial status.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Alimony ensures a decent standard of living, not wealth equality.
• Laws should benefit women without becoming tools for exploitation.
• Judicial rulings aim to balance welfare and justice.

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