India, Oct. 19 -- The Delhi High Court on Friday ordered that alimony can't be granted to a spouse who is financially self-sufficient and independent.

"Judicial discretion under Section 25 (of Hindu Marriage Act) cannot be exercised to award alimony where the applicant is financially self-sufficient and independent, and such discretion must be exercised properly and judiciously, based on the record, the relative financial capacities of the parties, and the absence of any material demonstrating economic vulnerability on the part of the Appellant (wife)," the bench of justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar maintained in the 37-page ruling.

The court emphasised that permanent alimony is intended as a form of social justic...