Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife Dhanashree Verma have officially parted ways. The Bandra Family Court has approved their divorce petition, and the Bombay High Court waived the mandatory cooling-off period to speed up the process. As part of the divorce settlement, Dhanashree Verma received ₹4.75 crore in alimony, an amount mutually agreed upon by both parties. The court approved this agreement to ensure a smooth resolution for both individuals.
How is Alimony Decided?
There is no fixed formula for determining alimony in Indian law. Courts decide the alimony amount on a case-by-case basis. Last year, the Supreme Court clarified that alimony is not meant to punish one partner but rather to ensure financial security for the dependent spouse. The court outlined eight key factors to be considered when determining alimony.
Can Men Claim Alimony?
It is commonly believed that only women receive alimony, but under Indian law, husbands can also claim financial support. According to Sections 24 and 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, a husband can seek alimony if he can prove that he is financially dependent on his wife. However, courts strictly examine such cases, and the husband must provide valid reasons, such as illness or disability, to justify his inability to earn.
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High-Profile Divorce Cases and Alimony Settlements
- Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan: Reports suggested that ₹400 crore was demanded in the divorce settlement.
- Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh: Saif had to pay a significant alimony amount.
- Karan Mehra and Nisha Rawal: The court approved a ₹1.5 crore settlement.
How is Alimony Determined in Other Countries?
- United States: Some states follow a fixed formula, while others allow judges to consider various factors.
- United Kingdom: The court aims to ensure both partners maintain a reasonable standard of living after divorce.
- Germany and France: Financial support is provided for a limited period.
- China and Japan: Alimony payments are minimal and usually given as a lump sum.
- Middle East: Under Islamic law, alimony is limited to the iddat period after divorce.