Maintenance and alimony refer to the financial support provided by one spouse to the other after divorce or separation. Its purpose is to ensure the dependent spouse's well-being and enable them to maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during the marriage. Maintenance laws in India are governed by various legislations, including the Hindu Marriage Act, the Special Marriage Act, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. These laws outline the rights and obligations of both parties and establish the basis for determining the amount and duration of alimony. The court takes several factors into account when deciding the quantum of maintenance and alimony, such as the financial status of both parties, their earning capacity, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the spouses, and the presence of any children. There are many types of maintenance, like permanent alimony, rehabilitative alimony, and interim alimony. Permanent alimony is awarded for the lifetime of the recipient, rehabilitative alimony aims to support the spouse until they become self-sufficient, and interim alimony provides temporary financial support during the divorce proceedings or during separation. In India, regarding alimony and maintenance, the Supreme Court has ruled that a woman's right to maintenance extends beyond the period of the divorce and can continue until she remarries. Additionally, the court has recognized the importance of granting maintenance even in cases of irretrievable breakdown of marriage.