Maintenance / Alimony Calculator
Estimate your monthly entitlement under Section 125 BNSS using the Supreme Court’s Rajnesh v. Neha (2020) guidelines. Free and anonymous — nothing you enter leaves your browser.
This is an estimate for planning purposes only. Actual amounts are at the court’s discretion based on standard of living, assets, liabilities, and other circumstances. Consult a qualified advocate before making any legal decisions.
Legal basis
The Supreme Court in Rajnesh v. Neha (2020) 14 SCC 754 mandated a uniform format for disclosure of assets and laid down that interim maintenance should be 25–30% of the payer’s net salary, reduced proportionately if the claimant has independent income. Section 125 BNSS (the re-enacted Section 125 CrPC) applies to all religions. Per-child amounts are guided by the respective High Court circulars.
How courts decide maintenance
Standard of living
The couple's lifestyle during marriage sets the benchmark. Courts aim to preserve a reasonably comparable standard for the financially weaker party.
Claimant's independent income
If the wife earns, courts reduce the award proportionately. Some High Courts use the income difference rather than the payer's gross income as the base.
Children's education & healthcare
Tuition fees, medical costs, and extracurriculars are factored in separately from the base per-child rate and may increase the award significantly.
Payer's liabilities
Outstanding EMIs, legal costs, and dependent parents reduce the effective disposable income the court will consider when capping the award.
Personal law cap (if any)
Muslim personal law limits mehr and iddat maintenance; however, S.125 BNSS overrides these limits and applies to all citizens regardless of religion.
State High Court circulars
Several High Courts (Delhi, Bombay, Madras) have issued circulars specifying per-child rates and affidavit formats that family courts in that state follow.
Frequently asked questions
How is maintenance calculated in India?
In Rajnesh v. Neha (2020) 14 SCC 754, the Supreme Court laid down that interim maintenance is generally 25–30% of the payer's net monthly income, reduced proportionately if the claimant has independent income. Per-child amounts of roughly 10–15% of the payer's net income are guided by High Court circulars.
Does Section 125 apply to all religions?
Yes. Section 125 of the BNSS (formerly Section 125 CrPC) is a secular provision that applies to all citizens regardless of religion, and it overrides caps in personal law such as mehr and iddat limits under Muslim personal law.
Can a working wife claim maintenance?
Yes. A wife with independent income can still claim maintenance if her income is insufficient to maintain the standard of living she had during the marriage. Courts reduce the award proportionately based on her earnings.
Is this calculator's result legally binding?
No. It is an estimate for planning purposes only. The actual amount is at the court's discretion based on standard of living, assets, liabilities, dependents, and other circumstances. Consult a qualified advocate for advice on your situation.
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