IMPORTANT POINT
Quantum of permanent alimony – Wife is entitled to a level of maintenance that is reflective of standard of living she enjoyed during marriage and which reasonably secures her future.

JUDGMENT

VIKRAM NATH, J.

1. The present appeal arises out of the order dated 25.06.2019 passed by the High Court of Calcutta in FA No. 92 of 2019 (FAT No. 122 of 2015), whereby the Division Bench allowed the respondent-husband’s appeal and granted a decree of divorce, awarding permanent alimony of Rs. 20,000/- per month to the appellant-wife, with an increase of 5% every three years.

2. The facts relevant to the present appeal are as follows:

2.1 The appellant-wife and respondent-husband were married on 18.06.1997.

2.2 A son was born to the them on 05.08.1998.

2.3 In July 2008, the respondent-husband filed Matrimonial Suit No. 430 of 2008 under Section 27 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 seeking dissolution of marriage on the ground of cruelty allegedly inflicted by the appellant-wife.

2.4 Subsequently, the appellant-wife filed Misc. Case No. 155 of 2008 in the same suit under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, seeking interim maintenance for herself and the minor son.

2.5 The Trial Court, by order dated 14.01.2010, awarded interim maintenance of Rs. 8,000/- per month to the appellant-wife and Rs. 10,000/- towards litigation expenses.

2.6 The appellant-wife then instituted Misc. Case No. 116 of 2010 under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Trial Court, vide order dated 28.03.2014, directed the respondent-husband to pay maintenance of Rs. 8,000/- per month to the appellant-wife and Rs. 6,000/- per month to the minor son, along with Rs. 5,000/- towards litigation costs.

2.7 The Trial Court, vide order dated 10.01.2016, dismissed the matrimonial suit, finding that the respondent-husband had failed to prove cruelty. Aggrieved, the respondent filed FAT No. 122 of 2015 before the High Court of Calcutta.

2.8 During the pendency of the appeal, the appellant-wife filed CAN No. 4505 of 2025 seeking interim maintenance of Rs. 30,000/- for herself and Rs. 20,000/- for the son, along with Rs. 50,000/- towards litigation expenses.

2.9 The High Court, by order dated 14.05.2015, directed the respondent-husband to pay interim maintenance of Rs. 15,000/- per month.

2.10 Subsequently, by order dated 14.07.2016, the High Court noted that the respondent-husband was drawing a net monthly salary of Rs. 69,000/- and enhanced the interim maintenance to Rs. 20,000/- per month.

2.11 Finally, the High Court, by the impugned order dated 25.06.2019, allowed the respondent’s appeal, granted a decree of divorce on the ground of mental cruelty and irretrievable breakdown of marriage, and directed the respondent-husband to:

(i) redeem the mortgage on the flat where the appellant-wife was residing and transfer the title deed to her name by 31.08.2019;

(ii) allow the appellant-wife and their son to continue residing in the said flat; and

(iii) continue to pay permanent alimony of Rs. 20,000/- per month to the appellant-wife, subject to a 5% increase every three years.

Additionally, the High Court directed payment of educational expenses for the son’s university education and Rs. 5,000/- per month for private tuition. Aggrieved by the quantum of alimony awarded, the appellant-wife is before this Court. We have heard learned counsel for the parties.

3. This Court, vide order dated 20.02.2023, issued notice confined to the question of enhancement of permanent alimony awarded to the appellant-wife.

4. By interim order dated 07.11.2023, this Court, noting the absence of representation on behalf of the respondent- husband despite proof of service, enhanced the monthly maintenance to Rs. 75,000/- with effect from 01.11.2023. The respondent-husband subsequently entered appearance and filed an application seeking vacation of the said interim order.

5. The appellant-wife contends that the amount of Rs. 20,000/- per month, which the High Court made final, was originally awarded as interim maintenance. She submits that the respondent-husband has a monthly income of approximately Rs. 4,00,000/- and the quantum of alimony awarded is not commensurate with the stand