Alimony Halted for Wife Accused of Mother's Murder

A Gujarat High Court order has put a temporary halt on an alimony payment of Rs 45 lakh. This decision stems from a man's challenge to a family court's directive, arguing against financial support for his wife accused of murdering his mother. The wife was arrested in October 2020 for allegedly killing her mother-in-law, an act reportedly linked to marital disputes.

The husband initiated divorce proceedings in 2021, citing mental and physical cruelty due to the alleged murder. While the family court granted the divorce in August of this year, it concurrently ordered a one-time alimony payment based on the husband's income. The husband contended in the High Court that paying alimony to someone accused of such a heinous crime is neither appropriate nor justifiable.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the bench observed that this case involves more than a standard divorce. The court highlighted that the husband had experienced not only emotional but also physical cruelty due to his wife's alleged actions. Consequently, the family court's alimony order was stayed, with further hearings scheduled for January.