37. Permanent alimony and maintenance.―

(1) Any court exercising jurisdiction under Chapter V or Chapter VI may, at the time of passing any decree or at any time subsequent to the decree, on application made to it for the purpose, order that the husband shall secure to the wife for her maintenance and support, if necessary, by a charge on the husband’s property such gross sum or such monthly or periodical payment of money for a term not exceeding her life, as, having regard to her own property, if any, her husband’s property and ability 5[the conduct of the parties and other circumstances of the case], it may seem to the court to be just.

(2) If the district court is satisfied that there is a change in the circumstances of either party at any time after it has made an order under sub-section

(1), it may, at the instance of either party, vary, modify or rescind any such order in such manner as it may seem to the court to be just. 1. Added by Act 68 of 1976, s. 34 (w.e.f. 27-5-1976). 2. Ins. by s. 34, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-5-1976). 3. Subs. by s. 35, ibid., for section 35 (w.e.f. 27-5-1976). 4. Ins. by Act 49 of 2001, s. 6 (w.e.f. 24-9-2001). 5. Subs. by Act 68 of 1976, s. 36, for “and the conduct of the parties” (w.e.f. 27-5-1976). 14

(3) If the district court is satisfied that the wife in whose favour an order has been made under this section has remarried or is not leading a chaste life, 1[it may, at the instance of the husband vary, modify or rescind any such order and in such manner as the court may deem just.]