RAKHI SADHUKHAN versus RAJA SADHUKHAN

RAKHI SADHUKHAN versus RAJA SADHUKHAN

The Supreme Court held that the respondent-husband’s income and financial disclosures demonstrate his ability to pay a higher amount; the appellant, unmarried and living independently, is entitled to maintenance reflective of the marital standard of living and to secure her future; accordingly, permanent alimony payable to the appellant-wife was enhanced to Rs.50,000 per month, subject to a 5% increase every two years, and no further mandatory support for the adult son was directed.

Parties
Appellant Wife: Rakhi Sadhukhan; Respondent Husband: Raja Sadhukhan
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
29 May 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal (civil Appeal No. 10209 of 2024) / Appeal to the Supreme Court on Enhancement of Permanent Alimony; Final Judgment Disposing the Appeal
Outcome
Appeal allowed; impugned High Court order modified insofar as the quantum of permanent alimony
Legal Topics
Permanent Alimony, Quantum of Maintenance, Interim Maintenance, Divorce on Ground of Mental Cruelty, Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage
Family Law Matrimonial Law Maintenance/alimony Permanent Alimony Quantum of Maintenance Interim Maintenance Divorce on Ground of Mental Cruelty Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage

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Parties

Rakhi Sadhukhan

Appellant Wife

Raja Sadhukhan

Respondent Husband

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal (civil Appeal No. 10209 of 2024) / Appeal to the Supreme Court on Enhancement of Permanent Alimony; Final Judgment Disposing the Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the quantum of permanent alimony fixed by the High Court ought to be enhanced
  2. 2 Whether any further mandatory financial support should be directed for the adult son (aged 26)

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that the respondent-husband’s income and financial disclosures demonstrate his ability to pay a higher amount; the appellant, unmarried and living independently, is entitled to maintenance reflective of the marital standard of living and to secure her future; accordingly, permanent alimony payable to the appellant-wife was enhanced to Rs.50,000 per month, subject to a 5% increase every two years, and no further mandatory support for the adult son was directed.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; impugned High Court order modified insofar as the quantum of permanent alimony

Orders

  • Impugned order of the High Court modified to enhance permanent alimony to Rs.50,000 per month payable to the appellant-wife
  • Permanent alimony subject to an enhancement of 5% every two years