Alimony – Boon of the Past and Bane for the Future in India

Abstract

Alimony, traditionally regarded as a vital safeguard for dependent spouses following the dissolution of marriage, has long been perceived as a cornerstone of matrimonial justice in India. Historically, it offered women, often deprived of property rights, financial independence, and equitable access to resources, a necessary means of survival and dignity after separation. However, the rapidly changing socio-economic environment, marked by women’s increasing participation in the workforce, evolving notions of gender equality, and changing family structures, has challenged the conventional justification for alimony. What was once considered a benevolent and protective legal mechanism is now frequently criticized as outdated, gender-biased, and vulnerable to misuse. This research paper undertakes a critical examination of alimony from legal, social, and economic perspectives, exploring its historical significance, present-day controversies, and the pressing need for reforms. It argues that while alimony was undeniably a boon in the past, sustaining fairness and justice in the future requires recalibrating its framework to reflect contemporary realities, ensuring equity, mutual responsibility, and balance in matrimonial law. The research undertaken is purely doctrinal in nature.