The Family Court here recently granted alimony of Rs 3.33 crore to a woman, which is a record of sorts. Though other claims don’t touch such astronomical amounts, maintenance claimed by women has reached an all-time high recently, mostly because of the lure of a high profile lifestyle.
Advocates at Family Court say that the average amount granted as alimony nowadays ranges from Rs 2 to Rs 5 lakh. “These days, women are becoming entitled to high amounts as claim,” said Mr Ahmed Ismathullah Khan, senior advocate at Family Court in Hyderabad.
The maintenance amount claimed by women depends primarily on the standard of living of the husband from whom she is getting separated. The alimony can either be claimed under Section 125 of CrPC or else under Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act.
The minimum amount which could be claimed earlier under Section 125 of CrPC has now been amended to stand at Rs 5,000 from the earlier Rs 500. Also, section 25 of Hindu Marriage Act provides for permanent alimony and maintenance to the wife as long as she remains unmarried. The estranged husband has to support her by paying a monthly or annual sum for a term not exceeding the life of the applicant.
Courts also take into consideration immovable assets of the respondent and his salary while deciding on compensation. “The approximate number of years a woman will live is also calculated and compensation awarded accordingly,” said Mrs J. Sudnyata Deepak, advocate at Family Court, Secunderabad. Significantly, women get even higher alimony amount in case of out-of-court settlements. “When compared with that, courts usually grant a lesser amount,” said an advocate.
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