The Supreme Court has issued an eight-point framework for determining alimony amounts in divorce cases, following public outrage over Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash’s tragic suicide. The 34-year-old engineer from Bihar accused his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of extortion and harassment in an 80-minute video and a detailed 24-page suicide note.

Atul’s note criticized the justice system and outlined demands, including custody of his child to grandparents and conditions for his ashes. Social media campaigns like #MenToo emerged, with calls for justice resonating nationwide.

In its ruling, the apex court emphasized fairness in deciding alimony to ensure a decent living standard for the wife while avoiding undue penalization of the husband. The eight factors to guide courts include:

  1. Status and financial position of both parties.
  2. Reasonable needs of the wife and children.
  3. Employment and qualifications of each spouse.
  4. Independent income or assets of the applicant.
  5. Living standards during the marriage.
  6. Employment sacrifices made for family duties.
  7. Litigation costs for non-working spouses.
  8. Financial capacity and obligations of the husband.

The guidelines aim to standardize decisions but are not rigid rules.

In Atul’s case, his brother filed a complaint against Nikita and her family for abetment of suicide and extortion under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Allegations include false legal cases and demands for ₹3 crore and ₹30 lakh to let Atul meet his son.

This tragedy has spotlighted the legal system’s challenges, sparking debates on marital laws and men’s rights.

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