New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday remarked that qualified and capable women should support themselves financially and not rely on interim maintenance from their estranged husbands. Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai made the statement while hearing an alimony dispute, questioning the rationale behind a highly educated woman's demand for hefty maintenance.
Here's What SC Said On Mumbai Woman's Demands
The case involved a woman seeking a house in Mumbai and Rs 12 crore in alimony after separating from her husband within 18 months of marriage. The CJI, noting her educational qualifications, firmly stated, “Aap itni padhi likhi hai. Aapko khudko mangna nahi chahiye aur khudko kama ke khana chahiye.” (You are so educated. You should earn for yourself and shouldn’t be asking for support.)
CJI Gavai pointed out that the woman holds an MBA degree and has experience in the IT sector, making her well-equipped to find employment in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. “You’re an IT person. You’ve done your MBA. You’re in demand … Why don’t you work also?” he asked.
'18 Months Of Marriage & You Want A BMW?' Asks CJI
Highlighting the brief duration of the marriage, the CJI further commented, “You had a marriage for just 18 months. And now you also want a BMW?” The woman's demands were also challenged on the grounds that her husband is allegedly wealthy and had filed for annulment, citing that she suffers from schizophrenia.
Quoting proceedings reported by Bar and Bench, the Chief Justice remarked, “Either you get a flat free of all encumbrances or nothing. When you are highly educated and decide not to work out of your own volition…”
The observation by India’s apex court aligns with a similar stance taken earlier this year by the Delhi High Court. In March 2025, Justice Chandra Dhari Singh ruled that Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which deals with maintenance for wives, children and parents, was not intended to support idleness. He stressed that women with earning potential should not seek interim maintenance purely by choice.
