"Rare nowadays": Supreme Court appreciates woman for not demanding alimony in divorce settlement

The Supreme Court recently granted a divorce by mutual consent after commending a woman for not seeking any financial claim or alimony from her husband as part of the settlement agreement.

A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan recorded that the parties had agreed to abide by the terms of settlement and described the case as “one of the rare” instances where the wife demanded nothing from her husband.

The Bench noted that as part of the amicable resolution, the wife had even handed over the gold bangles gifted to her during the marriage, which originally belonged to the husband’s mother.

“This is one of the rare settlements we have come across over a period of time wherein nothing has been demanded by the wife from the husband,” the Bench observed in its order.

It went on to acknowledge the woman’s gesture.

“We appreciate this kind gesture which is very rare to be seen nowadays,” the Court said, while exercising its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to dissolve the marriage.

Before parting with the matter, the Court addressed the wife in open court, encouraging her to move forward in life.

“This is one of the rare cases we have come across where there is no exchange of anything. We appreciate this. Go ahead in life. Forget the past. Live a happy life. Wish you the best,” the Bench told her.