• The Jharkhand High Court increased a divorced woman’s permanent alimony from ₹10 lakh to ₹40 lakh, citing inflation, rising medical expenses, and her future financial security.

• The couple had been living separately since 1990 and remained apart for over 35 years before the court upheld their divorce.

• The husband had sought divorce on the grounds of cruelty and desertion, claiming that his wife left the matrimonial home in 1990 and never returned despite efforts to bring her back.

• The wife, however, alleged that the husband had developed a relationship with another woman, forcing her to leave the matrimonial home.




• The court observed that the marriage had completely broken down and there was no possibility of reconciliation after decades of separation.

• While enhancing the alimony, the court noted that the wife had no independent source of income and would require financial support for her livelihood and healthcare.

• The judges also considered the husband’s salary, pension, and retirement benefits before determining the revised amount.

• The husband has been directed to pay ₹40 lakh as permanent alimony in four instalments within 12 months.