The idea of justice is crucial for any society because it aims to protect the rights, equality, and fairness of every person. Legal changes have made significant strides in improving marital relationships, especially when it comes to banning dowry. However, as shown in the image below, the problem of dowry has been tackled through legal means. In contrast, the laws regarding alimony require a more thoughtful and equitable solution.

The Evolution of Dowry Laws

Over the years, India has implemented different reforms to combat dowry. One prominent piece of legislation, the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, was intended to stop dowry in marriages. Although the prevalence of dowry-related violence has reduced to some extent over time, it still persists. The laws and social campaigns have worked in conjunction to assist in the diminishment of the cultural practices of dowry in the region, providing a framework of legal protection to women.

Dowry, taken as a concrete manifestation of gender inequality, has been instrumental in the trajectory of laws that have been implemented in order to protect women in India. However, the focus on dowry means that other parts of marriage laws, such as alimony, are being overlooked.

Alimony: A New Frontier for Legal Reform

To avoid the financial difficulties for a husband or wife who based their entire livelihood on the income of their spouse, spousal support, also known as alimony, has been established. Alimony was historically given to women because they were typically the homemakers and their husbands provided the income. . However, family dynamics and gender roles have evolved and more women are in higher earning roles and are the main breadwinners in some families. Thus, the expectation has shifted that women should not automatically be the financial dependents in marriages.

Alimony law, however, has not kept pace with societal changes in relation to the roles of men and women. Men disproportionately pay alimony and, in some cases, where women are the primary earners rather than men but continue to ask for alimony, it is evidence that alimony laws need to be updated. Moreover, alimony should not be enforced if the financial circumstances of the marriage do not necessitate the need for support. Therefore, it is not only unfair but also unreasonable for either party in the divorce to be bound by alimony.

Consequently, there has been a call for alimony reform in order that alimony laws can be changed to fairly and equally treat both spouses. The supreme court in the case of Manish Jain vs. Akanksha Jain (2017) held that if the wife is able to support herself, the wife is precluded from claiming alimony. It was the view of the court that maintenance is merely intended to meet the genuine requirement in lieu of deprivation potential.

Towards a Balanced Legal Framework
The urgency of alimony reform isn't a push for the abolition of the protections available to women, but a call for the development of a model that treats each case based on individual circumstances. Improvements might cover the provision for:

The urgency of alimony reform isn't a push for the abolition of the protections available to women, but a call for the development of a model that treats each case based on individual circumstances. Improvements might cover the provision for:

• Gender-Neutral Alimony Laws: The law should recognize that after a divorce, it could be either men or women that lack the ability to earn. Alimony awarded by the court must be based on the need of the spouse and the ability of the other spouse to pay, not on any stereotyped view of gender roles in society. The Delhi High Court in Ravindra Nath Sharma vs Saroj Sharma (2014) summarized that gender should not be the sole basis for awarding spousal maintenance. In this instance, the court emphasized taking into account the financial resources less liabilities of both parties (including that the wife was gainfully employed). It reduced alimony due to the financial independence of the wife.
   
• Time-Limited Alimony: In situations where alimony is appropriate, it should not be permanent. Time-limited alimony would help both parties obtain financial independence in addition to serving as temporary assistance for those in need of financial aid.
   
• Both Parties' Contributions: It is argued that the court should consider the non-financial contributions of both parties in the marriage, such as childcare and management of the household, when awarding alimony. This will help in recognizing the value of unpaid labor usually undertaken by the non-earning spouse. The Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized in the case Uttam Kumar vs. Meena Kumari (2021) that in deciding upon maintenance, the husband's capacity to pay is a very relevant consideration. It also indicated that if the wife is not dependent on the husband or is financially independent, she should probably receive less alimony. This ruling supports alimony laws that better take into account the financial situation of both parties, helping to ensure fairness and prevent an unjust burden on one spouse simply because they have a high-paying career.
   
• Mediation and Collaborative Law: The promotion of the use of mediation and collaborative law processes in alimony disputes is encouraged. These alternative dispute resolution methods would help couples arrive at a fair settlement without going through the litigation process, and would also allow for a more flexible, personalized agreement based on the peculiar realities of each couple.

Conclusion: Moving Towards Legal Fairness
The law must change matching the changing realities of life. But there is also a need to look at the imbalances in alimony laws that affect both genders even as we fight against dowry practices. This will demand an all-encompassing legal overhaul that ensures that everybody in society not only receives justice but can see it being done as well.

A more open and fair legal underpinning could help us move towards a society where equality is not just a word, but something that we experience every day. This request for changes in the alimony legal system does not challenge the protections already in place, but serves as an instrument to bring balance and fairness to the whole process.

Moreover, this request for reform does not minimize the current protections but rather suggests new amendments that take into account different perspectives of present-day life. It is essential that both men and women have their rights secured by law including equitable approach towards alimony.

A suggestion can be made for us to debate on how we can design a more inclusive and just legal structure which takes care of the needs of everybody leading to equality being not just an ideal but something real.