What is the meaning of ‘maintenance pendente lite’ under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955?

Pendente lite means "while the litigation is pending", so maintenance pendente lite is a sum paid "during the proceedings of the Court". Under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, a spouse with no independent income sufficient for support may get monthly maintenance and the expenses of the proceeding while the case is pending. Maintenance after the decree is permanent alimony under Section 25.