- By Deeksha Gour
- Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:24 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mumbai News: The Supreme Court, during a hearing in a marital dispute case, questioned a woman’s demand for heavy alimony, which included a flat in Mumbai, Rs 12 crore as maintenance and a luxury BMW car. Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, heading the bench, observed that the woman is well-educated and capable of earning her own living.
According to a NDTV report, the woman, representing herself in the court, stated she wanted a house in Mumbai, specifically in the Kalpataru residential project, Rs 12 crore for maintenance and a high-end BMW car. The Chief Justice responded by pointing out that the house she was referring to is built by one of Mumbai's top developers and questioned her need for such costly demands, especially after a short marriage lasting just 18 months.
"You are highly qualified, an IT professional with an MBA degree. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad offer several job opportunities. Why don’t you work?" the CJI remarked. He also added, “You are practically asking for Rs 1 crore per month for each month of your 18-month marriage. And you also want a BMW?”
The woman responded by claiming her husband is very wealthy and had filed for annulment of the marriage on the grounds that she is schizophrenic. “Do I look schizophrenic, my lords?” she asked the bench.
The woman further alleged that her husband, a former Citibank manager who now runs two businesses, had forced her to resign from her previous job. She also said he denied her the opportunity to have a child during their marriage.
Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, representing the husband, argued that the woman should take responsibility for her life and seek employment. “Everything cannot be demanded like this. She also has to work,” Divan told the court.
The bench reviewed the husband’s income tax returns, which showed a decline in income following his resignation from Citibank. After reviewing the documents, the CJI advised the woman to consider practical options. “Take a good job in Pune, Hyderabad, or Bengaluru. You are well-educated. You should earn and not just seek money,” he said.
The Chief Justice also clarified that the woman cannot demand properties owned by her husband’s father. Urging her to be realistic, the CJI said, “Be satisfied with the flat. Or take the Rs 4 crore offer and move forward with your career.”
"Aap itni padi likhi hai. Aapko khudko mangna nahi chahiye aur khudko kama ke khana chahiye (You are so educated, you must not ask and earn your livelihood)," the Chief Justice said
The Supreme Court has reserved its final order in the matter.
