MRS. ARUNA BASU MULLICK vs MRS. DOROTHEA MITRA

The Supreme Court held that under Section 37 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, a decree for alimony does not extinguish upon the death of the judgment debtor husband. The Court emphasized that the statute aims to protect the wife's right to maintenance post-divorce, and the estate of the deceased husband remains liable for the payment of alimony. The ruling clarified that while matrimonial proceedings abate upon the death of either spouse, a maintenance decree survives and can be enforced against the husband's estate, ensuring the widow's right to receive maintenance is upheld.