Summary and Judgment Analysis Rakhi Sadhukhan vs Raja Sadhukhan

Case Title:

Rakhi Sadhukhan v. Raja Sadhukhan
Civil Appeal No. 10209 of 2024
Supreme Court of India
Decided on: May 29, 2025
Coram: Vikram Nath & Sandeep Mehta, JJ.

Brief Facts:

1. Marriage & Dispute:
   Appellant-wife (Rakhi) and respondent-husband (Raja) married on 18.06.1997; had a son born on 05.08.1998.
   In July 2008, Raja filed for divorce under Section 27 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, alleging cruelty.
   Rakhi sought interim maintenance under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and later under Section 125 CrPC.

2. Lower Court Proceedings:
   Trial Court (2016): Dismissed Raja’s divorce suit, citing failure to prove cruelty.
   High Court (2019): Allowed Raja’s appeal, granted divorce on grounds of mental cruelty and irretrievable breakdown, awarding Rakhi:
   Permanent alimony of ₹20,000/month (5% increase every 3 years).
   Transfer of mortgaged flat to Rakhi’s name.
   Educational expenses for the son (then minor).

3. Supreme Court Appeal:
   Rakhi challenged the quantum of alimony, citing Raja’s alleged monthly income of ₹4,00,000.
   Raja claimed his net income was ₹1,64,039/month (supported by salary slips, IT returns) and household expenses of ₹1,72,088/month.

Key Issues:

1. Whether the permanent alimony of ₹20,000/month was adequate considering:
   The standard of living during the marriage.
   Raja’s financial capacity and Rakhi’s dependency.

2. Whether the son (now 26 years old) should continue receiving mandatory support.

Supreme Court’s Decision:

1. Enhanced Alimony:
   Revised permanent alimony to ₹50,000/month (from ₹20,000), citing:
   Raja’s disposable income and past earnings (e.g., ₹69,000/month in 2016).
   Inflation and Rakhi’s unmarried status with no independent income.
   5% increase every 2 years (instead of 3 years).

2. Son’s Maintenance:
   No mandatory support ordered (son was 26 and financially independent).
   Voluntary assistance for education permitted; inheritance rights unaffected.

3. Contempt Petition & Pending Applications: Disposed of accordingly.

4. Key Statutes:

• Special Marriage Act, 1954 (Section 27).

• Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (Section 24).

• CrPC, 1973 (Section 125).

5. Ratio Decidendi:

• Alimony must reflect the matrimonial standard of living and the payer’s financial capacity.

• Irretrievable breakdown and mental cruelty are valid grounds for divorce.

• Adult children are not entitled to mandatory maintenance unless exceptional circumstances exist.

6. Outcome:

• Appeal allowed; alimony enhanced to ₹50,000/month.

• High Court’s order modified; contempt petition disposed.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court balanced equity and practicality, ensuring Rakhi’s financial security while acknowledging Raja’s current liabilities. The judgment underscores the dynamic assessment of alimony based on income, inflation, and marital living standards.