'Does anybody spend this much?': Karnataka judge after woman seeks Rs 6 lakh monthly alimony

PTC News Desk: A single-judge bench of the Karnataka High Court rejected a woman's demand for Rs 6.16 lakh per month in alimony, including Rs 60,000 for monthly expenses (and a separate sum for dining expenses), Rs 50,000 in legal fees, and Rs 15,000 for buying clothes, on Wednesday.

In a widely circulated video recording of court proceedings, Justice Lalitha Kanneganti denied the request, telling the woman's counsel, "If she wants to spend (this much money), let her earn."

According to Bar and Bench, the woman requested more than Rs 50,000, which she is receiving now.

According to reports, the woman sought lakhs in alimony due to her ex-husband's fancy wardrobe and monthly spending of over Rs 10,000. The ex-wife, her lawyer argued, should thus be allowed a similar allowance; the woman claimed her present wardrobe was full of "old clothes."

The alimony demand included Rs 4-5 lakh for medical bills, including medication and physiotherapy for knee problems caused by the ex-husband's "negligence".

The court, however, was not impressed. According to the legal news website Bar and Bench, Justice Kanneganti remarked, "Does anybody spend this much? A single lady (by herself...)?"

However, the court did not dismiss the alimony demand and instead asked the woman to provide a more reasonable account of expenses. "If you want an order, I want actual figures, not this 'lakhs of rupees. Otherwise, I would dismiss your application," she said.

The woman was also advised not to try to "exploit the process of the court."

According to media reports, the judge was also reportedly upset over attempting to bargain with the court.

"Your client does not understand... you (her lawyer) should understand and advise her. This is not a place to bargain. You are supposed to tell the court her actual expenses. We will give you one last chance to be reasonable...else straightaway we will dismiss," she said.