Delhi High Court: Educated Women with Earning Potential Shouldn't Seek Interim Alimony

The Delhi High Court has ruled that well-educated women with suitable job experience should not remain idle solely to seek interim maintenance from their husbands. Justice Chandra Dhari Singh emphasized that the law does not promote financial idleness and that maintenance provisions are designed to protect dependents, not to encourage inaction.

This ruling came as the court dismissed a plea from a woman challenging a family court's decision that denied her interim maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court highlighted that a capable person must make earnest efforts to secure employment and should not rely solely on maintenance.

The court further noted that if both spouses are equally qualified and capable of earning, neither should be entitled to interim maintenance from the other. This decision reinforces the principle that maintenance laws aim to support those genuinely in need, not to subsidize those who choose not to work despite having the ability to do so.

This judgment underscores the court's stance that individuals should utilize their qualifications and experience to support themselves, rather than depending on spousal support when capable of self-sufficiency.