dissolution of marriage is empowered to exercise discretion in the matter of grant of a periodical sum as permanent alimony. It is indicated therefrom that the court is empowered to act suo motu. As per the provision, if the court fails to grant it in exercise of authority suo motu, it is left open to either of the parties to apply for that, even at a later point of time and the court can grant a decree in that regard, either as a gross sum or sum payable monthly or periodically during the life time of the party applying for that and not beyond that. In the process, the court is empowered to conduct an independent enquiry. The parties must adduce evidence about their income and other properties, their conduct and other circumstances of the case, that may seem to it, just. The court shall look into the materials placed in evidence by the parties and make a reasonable assessment of the sum payable as permanent alimony. The court can also direct security to be furnished by the party liable to pay, to ensure payment of the sum arrived at as permanent alimony, by creating a charge on his/her immovable property. If the court decides to grant permanent alimony to a party entitled for that suo motu it need not conduct a separate enquiry, rather, can confine the determination of the quantum payable as permanent alimony, to the materials already on record in the
