Woman seeks INR 12 Cr alimony, BMW, luxury flat after 18-month marriage: SC says, "You're educated, earn yourself

Time of India

23-07-2025

In a strong and thought-provoking observation, the
Supreme Court of India
recently emphasized that financially qualified women should aim to be self-reliant rather than seeking large sums in interim maintenance from their spouses—especially when the marriage was short-lived.
The statement came during the hearing of a high-profile alimony case. The woman involved, an IT professional with an MBA degree, had sought an expensive apartment in Mumbai, ₹12 crore as maintenance, and even a luxury BMW car—after just 18 months of marriage. Her demands raised eyebrows in the courtroom.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud—while addressing her plea—highlighted her educational and professional background, pointing out that someone with her qualifications was more than capable of earning a living.
"You're an IT person. You've done your MBA. You're in demand in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad... Why don't you work?" he asked during the proceedings, as reported by NDTV.
The CJI also commented on the property she demanded, and further said, 'But that house is in Kalpataru, one of the top builders. You also want a BMW after 18 months of marriage?' He questioned whether it was fair to expect such a high standard of living without making an effort to be financially independent.
In response, the woman said that her husband is wealthy and had filed for annulment, citing mental health grounds, including schizophrenia. But the bench was clear, 'Either you get a flat free of all encumbrances, or nothing,' said the CJI, reiterating that a highly educated person choosing not to work of her own volition cannot expect endless support.
Similar incidents in the past
This isn't the first time Indian courts have taken a stand on the issue.
In March 2025, the Delhi High Court stated that Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)— which deals with maintenance— is meant to provide protection, not to reward unwillingness to work. The court added, 'A well-educated wife with the ability and past work experience should not remain idle solely to claim maintenance.'
Similarly, in another landmark judgment in December 2024, the
Supreme Court
ruled that a wife cannot demand alimony simply to match the husband's wealth after divorce.
The bench clearly said that a husband cannot be expected to maintain his ex-wife as per his improved financial status for life.
The message from India's top courts is clear: Maintenance laws exist to support those who genuinely need it— not to enable luxury lifestyles when one is capable of self-sufficiency. In today's evolving world, education and professional skills are empowerment tools—and the courts are encouraging women to use them.
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