New Delhi, July 22, 2025: In a sharp rebuke during a divorce case hearing, Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai criticized a woman for demanding ₹12 crore in alimony despite being highly educated and professionally qualified. The CJI remarked that rather than seeking an extravagant settlement, she should focus on becoming self-reliant and finding employment.
According to Bar & Bench, the woman — who has been married for only 18 months — demanded a BMW car, ₹12 crore, and a house in Mumbai as part of the divorce settlement. CJI Gavai, visibly displeased with the scale of her demands, questioned the rationale behind seeking such a large sum.
“You are a well-educated IT professional and hold an MBA degree. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad have a high demand for IT professionals. Why don’t you find a job there?” the Chief Justice asked pointedly.
“Either Take a House or ₹4 Crore – Then Find a Job”: Supreme Court
The Chief Justice made it clear that the woman could not have everything she was asking for. “You’ll either get a house or ₹4 crore, and then you must find employment for your sustenance,” he told her bluntly.
In response, the woman argued, “But my husband is wealthy. He’s trying to end this marriage by falsely claiming that I suffer from schizophrenia. Do I look mentally ill to you?”
The CJI clarified that she had no claim over her husband’s father’s property, despite her marital ties.
Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the husband, supported the Chief Justice’s stance and said, “She cannot demand everything without making an effort to work. She owns a house and two car parking spaces, which can also be monetized.”
Advocate Divan further pointed out that the BMW car the woman demanded was over 10 years old and non-functional, essentially lying in scrap.
Allegations of Bias, But No Relief from the Bench
During the proceedings, the woman accused her husband of influencing her lawyer. In reply, the Chief Justice stood firm and said, “Make your choice: either settle for a house or accept ₹4 crore and look for a job.”
The woman also raised concerns over multiple allegations her husband had filed against her, which she claimed would make it difficult for her to find employment. To this, CJI Gavai assured that all complaints against her would be dismissed, thereby removing any legal barriers to her job prospects.
In a powerful closing remark, the Chief Justice said:
“You are an educated woman. You should not be begging for money but earning it with dignity.”
The court’s tough stance sends a strong message on the importance of self-reliance and fairness in matrimonial disputes.