What is the maximum amount a wife can demand as alimony, and what is the criteria?

Maintenance Allowance Rules: Cricketer Mohammed Shami's ex-wife, Hasin Jahan, has requested an increase in her alimony allowance. Learn how much a wife can demand according to the law and how the court determines it.

Maintenance Allowance Rules: The issue of alimony has been a topic of discussion in the country. Some receive alimony in the lakhs, others in the thousands, and others for a pittance. The issue of alimony is back in the news these days because Hasin Jahan, the former wife of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, receives a monthly alimony of ₹4 lakh (400,000 rupees). She has now demanded an increase.

Hasin Jahan says that this amount is insufficient for her, given her current expenses and inflation. Her move has raised the question: how much a wife can demand as alimony from her husband, and how the court determines this amount. Let us explain the full details.

How much alimony can one receive?

According to Indian law, several factors are considered when determining the amount of alimony. These include the husband's income, the wife's needs, her lifestyle, and the duration of the marriage. Generally, the court can determine 25 to 33 percent of the husband's total monthly income as alimony.

However, this is not a fixed rule. If the wife does not have her own income or has children living with her, the amount may increase. However, if the wife is already employed or has substantial assets, the alimony may be reduced. Therefore, there is no fixed limit on the maximum alimony amount.

How is the scale of alimony determined?

Alimony is determined on a case-by-case basis. The court decides on the circumstances of each case. This includes the husband's income, the wife's needs, and whether she has any means of her own. In some cases, the court asks the husband for proof of income, such as salary slips, bank statements, and tax returns.

The wife's expenses and children's educational needs are also taken into account. In Hasin Jahan's case, the court will determine the amount based on these criteria. If it is proven that Shami's income has increased significantly, the claim for an increase in alimony may be strengthened. If the court disagrees with Hasin Jahan's arguments and deems it unnecessary, the alimony will not be increased.