law: Indian Divorce Act, 1869 
  36. Alimony pendente lite 
  In any suit under this Act, whether it be instituted by a husband
  
  or a wife, and whether or not she has obtained an order of protection the wife
  
  may present a petition for alimony pending the suit.
  Such petition shall be served on the husband; and the court, on
  
  being satisfied of the truth of the statements therein contained, may make such
  
  order on the husband for payment to the wife of alimony pending the suit as it
  
  may deem just:
  PROVIDED  that alimony pending the suit shall in no case
  
  exceed one fifth of the husband's average net income for the three years next
  
  preceding the date of the order, and shall continue, in case of a decree for
  
  dissolution of marriage or of nullity of marriage, until the decree is made
  
  absolute or is confirmed, as the case may be.