A divorced Muslim woman can seek alimony from her husband under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure - the law related to maintenance for wives - the Supreme Court ruled today.

The bench made it clear that the law for seeking maintenance applies to all married women, irrespective of their religion. Section 125 broadly says a person with sufficient means cannot deny maintenance to their wife, children or parents.

Maintenance is not a matter of charity but a fundamental right of married women, the court said. "This right transcends religious boundaries, reinforcing the principle of gender equality and financial security for all married women," it added.

"Some husbands are not conscious of the fact that the wife, who is a homemaker, is dependent on them emotionally and in other ways. Time has come for Indian men to recognise the indispensable role and sacrifices made by housewives for the family."