New Delhi/IBNS, Feb. 13 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled a spouse involved in a void marriage is also entitled to permanent alimony and maintenance from his or her partner, media reports said.

The entitlement is based on the Hindu Marriage Act, the court said.

A three-judge bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Masih said void marriages also fall under Sections 24 and 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act.

"... while deciding the prayer for interim relief under Section 24, the court will always take into consideration the conduct of the party seeking the relief, as the grant of relief under Section 24 is always discretionary," the court further added.

Under Section 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act 19...