Supreme Court lists 8 alimony factors in wake of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash’s tragic suicide
Amid public outrage over Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash’s suicide, the Supreme Court outlined eight factors for determining alimony. Atul reportedly ended his life citing harassment from his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family over financial demands.
Before taking the drastic step, Atul recorded an 80-minute video accusing his estranged wife and her family of extortion. He also left a 24-page suicide note criticizing the justice system for failing him. The incident has sparked heated discussions on marital disputes and men’s mental health.
A Supreme Court bench, led by Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B Varale, issued the alimony guidelines while ruling on a divorce case involving a Hindu couple. The couple, married for six years but separated for two decades, had leveled mutual accusations.
The court’s eight factors for alimony include:
- Social and financial status of both parties.
- Reasonable needs of the wife and dependent children.
- Qualifications and employment statuses of both parties.
- Independent income or assets of the applicant.
- The standard of living the wife enjoyed during the marriage.
- Sacrifices made by the wife for family responsibilities.
- Litigation costs for a non-working wife.
- Financial capacity, income, and liabilities of the husband.
The Supreme Court clarified these factors are not rigid rules but guiding principles for fair decisions. The court emphasized alimony should not penalize the husband but ensure a dignified life for the wife.
Meanwhile, Atul’s brother, Bikas Kumar, filed a complaint against four individuals: Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha, brother Anurag, and uncle Sushil. The FIR, lodged at Marathahalli police station, accuses them under sections of abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy.
The FIR alleges the accused filed false cases against Atul and demanded ₹3 crore for a settlement. Additionally, Nikita reportedly demanded ₹30 lakh for allowing Atul to meet their son.
Atul’s video and note highlighted marital discord and legal battles, including multiple cases filed against him in Uttar Pradesh. Before his death, he shared the note with an NGO group and emailed it to others, bringing attention to his plight.
The police have begun investigations and may soon summon the accused for questioning.
