Supreme Court issues 8-point guidelines for deciding alimony amid techie suicide case
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has outlined an eight-point framework for determining alimony amounts, amidst growing discussions around the misuse of dowry laws following the suicide of Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash.
Atul Subhash, a native of Bihar, died by suicide after reportedly facing harassment from his wife and in-laws. Before his death, he left behind an 80-minute video and a 24-page note accusing his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of using multiple legal cases to extort money from him and his family.
While addressing a divorce case on Tuesday, a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice PV Varale directed courts across the country to consider the following eight factors when determining permanent alimony:
1. Social and economic status of the husband and wife.
2. Basic future needs of the wife and children.
3. Qualifications and employment status of both parties.
4. Sources of income and property.
5. Wife’s standard of living during her stay with in-laws.
6. Whether the wife left her job to manage the family.
7. Reasonable expenses for legal battles for a non-working wife.
8. Husband’s financial status, including earnings and responsibilities alongside alimony.
The court clarified that these guidelines are not a rigid formula but serve as considerations to ensure a fair and equitable decision. It emphasised that alimony should not impose an undue burden on the husband but should enable the wife to maintain a decent standard of living.
Earlier in the day, another Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh, dismissed a dowry case, noting that Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code—meant to address cruelty by husbands and their relatives—is sometimes misused for personal vendetta.
The case of Atul Subhash has reignited debates over the misuse of dowry laws in India. In his suicide note, Subhash repeatedly wrote, “Justice is Due.”
Atul and Nikita had met through a matchmaking website and married in 2019. They became parents to a son in 2020. According to Subhash, his wife’s family allegedly demanded money amounting to several lakhs. After he refused, his wife reportedly left their Bengaluru home with their son in 2021. Subhash alleged that her family initially sought ₹1 crore to settle the case, later increasing the demand to ₹3 crore.
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Indian Defence forces committed to adapting to changing environment: CDS General Chauhan
Hyderabad (PTI): Asserting that war and warfare is at the cusp of a major revolution, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said the Indian Defence forces are committed to adapting to changing environment and imbibing reforms to remain ready and relevant.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of 216 Course held at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal near here, General Chauhan said India's strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability, and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces.
He said the intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindoor continues.
"You (new officers) also join the Air Force at a moment when a new normal has firmly taken shape. An era defined by a high degree of operational preparedness, 24-7, 365 days. The intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindhur continues," he said.
He further said the newly trained officers are entering the Indian Air Force during a phase of deep transformation of the Indian Armed Forces.
Integrated structures, joint operations, and national pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence are shaping the future of India's military strength, he said.
"Your journey ahead will be accordingly guided by Jai, the first word of Jai Hind, that's victory. 'J' stands for jointness, fighting as one nation, one force. 'A' stands for Atmanirbhar Bharat, trusted platforms and systems made not just for India but for the world. And finally, 'I' for innovation, daring to think ahead and to be ahead of the curve," he explained.
General Chauhan further said battles in the older domains will always remain contested, often brutal. But in the new domains, they will be smart, swift, and shaped by intellect, innovation, and initiative. The force that masters new frontiers is more likely to prevail in future conflicts.
