1[Where a decree of dissolution of the marriage or a decree of judicial separation is obtained by the wife, the District Court may order that the husband shall] to the satisfaction of the court, secure to the wife such gross sum of money, or such annual sum of money for any term not exceeding her own life, as, having regard to her fortune (if any), to the ability of the husband, and to the conduct of the parties, it thinks reasonable; and for that purpose may cause a proper instrument to be executed by all necessary parties.
Power to order monthly or weekly payments.-- In every such case the Court may make an order on the husband for payment to the wife of such monthly or weekly sums for her maintenance and support as the Court may think reasonable:
Provided that if the husband afterwards from any cause becomes unable to make such payments, it shall be lawful for the Court to discharge or modify the order, or temporarily to suspend the same as to the whole or any part of the money so ordered to be paid, and again to revive the same order wholly or in part as to the court seems fit.
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1. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, s. 22, for certain words (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Section 31 of Divorce Act - Wifes legal position during continuance of order
Section 32 of Divorce Act - Petition for restitution of conjugal rights
Section 33 of Divorce Act - Answer to petition
Section 36 of Divorce Act - Alimony pendente lite
Section 37 of Divorce Act - Power to order permanent alimony
Section 38 of Divorce Act - Court may direct payment of alimony to wife or to her trustee
Section 40 of Divorce Act - Inquiry into existence of ante-nuptial or post-nuptial settlements