Sukhdev Singh v. Sukhbir Kaur
Supreme Court of India2025 INSC 197Bench: Justice Abhay S. Oka, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Justice Augustine George Masih
A spouse in a void Hindu marriage is entitled to claim permanent alimony under Section 25 and interim maintenance under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The term 'decree' under Section 25 includes a decree of nullity. Denying maintenance in void marriages would violate the right to dignity and equality under Article 21. Courts should avoid derogatory labels like 'illegitimate wife' or 'faithful mistress' as they violate Article 21 rights.