Maintenance - Hindu

During pendency of proceedings

When either the wife or the husband has no independent income for his or her support and for the necessary expenses of the proceedings, an application can be made either by the husband or wife to the court and the court may order the respondent to pay the expenses of the proceeding and such sum as maintenance as the court seems reasonable.

Permanent alimony and maintenance

The Court may at the passing of any decree or any time subsequent thereto, may on the application of the parties order the non-Applicant, to pay to the Applicant for the maintenance and support. The maintenance may be in a gross sum or on periodical or monthly basis. In no case, the maintenance shall be payable beyond the life of the non-Applicant. The income and property of the non-Applicant shall be considered while determining the permanent alimony

Besides this the wife only has an alternate remedy in terms of maintenance under Section 125 under Criminal Procedure code to the extent of a maximum of Rs. 500 per month.