Lawyersclubindia Article - Law of Maintenance in India Under Personal Laws - An Analysis PDF

11/26/2014
LawyersclubindiaArticle:LawofMaintenanceinIndiaunderPersonalLawsAnAnalysis
LawofMaintenanceinIndiaunderPersonal
LawsAnAnalysis
InFamilyLawmaintenanceisoftenusedasasynonymforspousalsupportoralimony,andthetermisin
fact replacing alimony. Traditionally, alimony was solely the right of the wife to be supported by the
husband. In Orr v. Orr,[1] the U.S. Supreme Court held that an Alabama statute [2]that provided that
onlyhusbands could be required to payalimonyviolated the equal protectionclauseof theFourteenth
Amendment.Undercurrentlawalimonymaybepaymentbyeitherthewifeorthehusbandinsupportof
theother.[3]
The award of spousal maintenance is generally determined based on all or some of the following
guidelines:therecipient'sfinancialneedsthepayer'sabilitytopaytheageandhealthofthepartiesthe
standardoflivingtherecipientbecameaccustomedtoduringthemarriagethelengthofthemarriage
eachparty'sabilitytoearnandbeselfsupportingandtherecipient'snonmonetarycontributionstothe
marriage.[4]
Spousalmaintenancemaybetemporaryorpermanent.Thepartiesgenerallymayadjustitsamountata
future date by returning to court and reassessing the relevant criteria at that time. In some states the
partiesmayforeverwaivetheirrighttospousalmaintenancebywrittenagreement.[5]
Hindu sages in most unequivocal and clear terms laid down that maintenance of certain persons is a
personal obligation. Manu declared: the aged parents, a virtuous wife and an infant child must be
maintainedevenbydoinghundredmisdeeds.[6]Brihaspatisaid,Amanmaygivewhatremainsafter
thefoodandclothingoffamily:thegiverormore(wholeaveshisfamilynakedandunfed)maytaste
honeyatfirstbutafterwardsfindsitpoison.[7]AccordingtotheMitakshara,wheretheremaybeno
property but what has been selfacquired, the only persons whose maintenance out of such property is
imperative,areagedparents,wifeandminorchildren.[8]Apersonwhoinvolvesincharityordanatthe
costofmaintenanceofhisagedparents,infantchildrenandwifeiscondemnedbythesagesitislike
tastinghoneywhichturnsouttobepoisonlater.DuringtheBritishperiod,itwasawellestablishedrule
that the maintenance of the aforesaid three sets of persons was a personal obligation of every male
Hindu.[9]
InAustraliaTheFamilyLawActsetsoutins72thebasicresponsibilityofonepartyofamarriageto
contribute to the support of the other, and s 75(2) sets out the elements to be taken into consideration
when apportioning spousal maintenance. These matters range from the nature of the parties marriage,
their postmarriage relationships, their financial situations and prospects for employment and any
parentalobligationstochildrenofthemarriage.
http://www.lawyersclubindia.com/articles/print_this_page.asp?article_id=5551
1/18
11/26/2014
Themostsignificantandrelevantcaselawofrecentyearsregardingspousalmaintenancehastherefore
beenthosecasesinwhichmaintenancehasbeengrantedMitchell,Best,Clausoncaseswhich,inthe
Family Law Councils words, illustrate a more generous judicial interpretation of the conditions
necessarytoestablishaspousalmaintenanceclaim.Suchadvancementshavelargelystemmedfromthe
landmarkdecisionfromtheSupremeCourtofCanadainMogevMoge.[10]
InIreland[11]`Maintenancecanbesplitintotwo,spousalandchild.Maintenancereferstowhatamount
ofmoneyonespousepaystotheothereitherforthatspouseorfordependentchildrenorboth.Children
arenowpotentiallydependentuntiltheyare23.However,legaladviceshouldbetakenonthismatteras
notallchildrenbetween18and23arecategorisedasdependentsandequallysomechildrenwillalways
bedependentandthereisnocutoffpoint.
Asitbecomesmorecommonplaceforwomentocontinuetoworkaftermarriageandchildren,spousal
supportpersebecomeslesscommon,notwithstandingdisparityinincome.Ofcourse,ifthedisparityis
largethenthatisamatterforargumentbeforethecourtorforagreementasneedsbe.
Maintenance can be the sole issue of a legal application and application can be made in the District,
Circuit or High Court. Interim Maintenance can be sought in the context of matrimonial proceedings
priortothehearingbymakingapplicationtothecourtbywayofNoticeofMotion.
LawsofMaintenanceunderdifferentpersonallawsinIndiacanbeclassifiedintofourheads:
a.MaintenanceunderHinduLaw.
b.MaintenanceunderMuslimLaw.
c.MaintenanceunderChristianLaw.
d.MaintenanceunderParsiLaw.
e.MaintenanceunderCodeofCriminalProcedure1973.
a.MaintenanceunderHinduLaw
Thereliefofmaintenanceisconsideredanancillaryreliefandisavailableonlyuponfilingforthemain
relief like divorce, restitution of conjugal rights or judicial separation etc. Further, under matrimonial
lawsifthehusbandisreadytocohabitwiththewife,generally,theclaimofwifeisdefeated.However,
the right of a married woman to reside separately and claim maintenance, even if she is not seeking
2/18
11/26/2014
divorceoranyothermajormatrimonialreliefhasbeenrecognisedinHindulawalone.AHinduwifeis
entitled to reside separately from her husband without forfeiting her right of maintenance under
theHinduAdoptionsandMaintenanceAct,1956.TheActenvisagescertainsituationsinwhichitmay
becomeimpossibleforawifetocontinuetoresideandcohabitwiththehusbandbutshemaynotwantto
breakthematrimonialtieforvariousreasonsrangingfromgrowingchildrentosocialstigma.
(i)MaintenanceofWife:
UnderS.24ofHinduMarriageAct,1955(hereinaftermentionedasHMAct),eitherthewifeorhusband
canapplyforinterimmaintenance.Thebasisoftheclaimforinterimmaintenanceisthattheclaimant
has no independent income of his/her own to support himself/herself. The provision is silent on the
quantumofmaintenanceanditisuponthediscretionofthecourttodeterminethequantum.Similarly,
maintenancependenteliteistobeprovidedtotheclaimantwhodoesnothaveanindependentincome
andthefinancialneedoflitigationexpenseshastobeprovidedbytheotherspouse.
Theinterimmaintenanceispayablefromthedateofpresentationofthepetitiontillthedateofdismissal
ofthesuitorpassingofthedecree.Interimmaintenanceissupposedtomeettheimmediateneedsofthe
petitioner.Andmaintenancependenteliteisforprovidingthelitigationexpensestotheclaimant.
S. 3(b)(i) of Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956(herein after mentioned as HAM ACT Act)
definesmaintenanceas"provisionforfood,clothing,residence,education,andmedicalattendanceand
treatment."Inthecaseofunmarrieddaughter,italsoincludeshermarriageexpenses.Theprovisionsfor
permanentmaintenancearepresentinallthepersonallawsandaresubstantivelysimilar.Howeverthere
aresomedifferencesbetweenthepersonallaws.
Groundsforawardofmaintenance:
OnlyuponprovingthatatleastoneofthegroundsmentionedundertheAct,existsinthefavourofthe
wife,maintenanceisgranted.Thesegroundsareasfollows:
a.Thehusbandhasdesertedherorhaswillfullyneglectedher
b.Thehusbandhastreatedherwithcruelty
c. The husband is suffering from virulent form of leprosy/venereal diseases or any other infectious
disease
d.Thehusbandhasanyotherwifeliving
3/18
11/26/2014
e.Thehusbandkeepstheconcubineinthesamehouseasthewiferesidesorhehabituallyresideswith
theconcubineelsewhere
f.ThehusbandhasceasedtoaHindubyconversiontoanyotherreligion
g.Anyothercausejustifyingherseparateliving
QuantumofMaintenance:
The means and capacity of a person against whom the award has to be made should be taken into
considerationfordeterminingthequantumofmaintenance.Infact,incaseofthehusband,itisnotonly
the actual earning, but also his potential earning capacity, which must be considered i.e. there is a
presumptionthateveryablebodiedpersonhasacapacitytoearnandmaintainhiswife.Theincomeof
thehusbandisasignificantfactortobeconsideredbythecourtinfixingthequantumofmaintenance.It
isdisposableincomeandnotthegrossincome,whichistobeconsidered.Section23(2)ofHAMACT
states the factors to be considered in determining the amount of maintenance payable to the wife,
children and aged parents, and they are as follows the position of and status of the parties, the
reasonablewantsoftheclaimant,theclaimantiflivingseparatelyisjustifiedornot,theincomeofthe
claimant and the value of the claimants property and the number of persons entitled to maintenance
undertheAct.
Even if one of these grounds exists in favour of the wife, she will not be entitled to relief if she has
indulgedinadulterousrelationshiporhasconvertedherselfintoanyotherreligiontherebyceasingtobe
aHindu.Itisalsoimportanttonoteherethatinordertobeentitledfortherelief,themarriagemustbea
valid marriage. In other words, ifthe marriage isillegal then the matrimonial relationshipbetweenthe
husbandandwifeisnonexistentandthereforenorightofmaintenanceaccruestowife.However,thanks
to judicial activism, in particular cases the presumption of marriage is given more weight age and the
barstomaintenanceareremoved.
(ii)MaintenanceofChildren:
Section 20 of HAM ACT imposes an obligation upon the parents mother and father, both equally to
maintainthechildrenbothlegitimateandillegitimate.ThisisauniquefeatureoftheHindulawwhere
boththeparentsareequallyresponsibletomaintainthechildren.S.20(2)ofHAMACTlaysdownthat
thechildrenareentitledtomaintenanceduringtheirminority.Thisrightofmaintenanceforthedaughter
isextendedtillshegetsmarried.Theparentsareobligedtobearhermarriageexpenses.Howevereven
after marriage a minor married daughter, if she is unable to maintain herself then she can claim for
maintenance under S.125 CrPC. When an application has been filed under section s24 and 25 of HM
ACT, the children are also entitled to get maintenance if the claimant has the responsibility of
maintainingthemi.e.theclaimantsrighttomaintenancealsoincludestherightofmaintenanceofthe
children.Section26ofHMACTalsoprovidesthatinanyproceedingundertheActthecourtcanfrom
time to time pass interim orders and make provisions in respect of the custody, maintenance and
4/18
11/26/2014
educationoftheminorchildren.
(iii)MaintenanceofParents:
S.20ofHAMACTalsolaysdownanobligationofmaintenanceofoldandinfirmparentswhoarenot
abletomaintainthemselvesoutoftheirownpersonalearningsandproperty.TheHAMACTisthefirst
statueinIndia,whichimposesanobligationonthechildrentomaintaintheirparents.Theobligationto
maintainisnotonlylimitedtothesonsbutitalsoextendstothedaughters.UnderHAMACT,boththe
mother and the father have an equal right to claim maintenance. The explanation to this section also
includes stepmother in the term parent. However it is important to note that the section imposes an
obligation to maintain only those parents, who are unable to maintain themselves and therefore the
obligationtomaintaintheparentsotherthanthoseinfirmandunable,isonlymoral.
b.MaintenanceunderMuslimPersonalLaw
Allthosethingswhicharenecessarytosupportoflife,suchasfood,clothesandlodgingmanyconfine
toosolelytofood.[12]Nafaqaliterallymeanswhichamanspendsoverhischildreninlawitmeans
feeding,clothingandlodgingincommonuseitsignifiesfood.[13] Maintenance comprehends food,
raiment,lodging,thoughincommonparlanceitislimitedtofirst.[14]
Themainprinciplesofmaintenancemayberecountedthus:(i)Apersonisentitledtomaintenanceifhe
has n o property, (ii) is related to obligor in prohibited degrees, or is the wife or child, and (iii) the
obligorisinpositiontosupporthim.Theobligationofmaintenanceisalsohedgedbythefactoroftheir
economiccondition.
Personsentitledtomaintenance:
(i)MaintenanceofWife
(ii).MaintenanceofChildren
(iii)MaintenanceofParents,and
(iv)Otherrelations
(i)MaintenanceofWife:
5/18
11/26/2014
Itisincumbentonahusbandtomaintainhiswife,whethersheisMuslimorKitabiyyah,poororrich,
enjoyedorunenjoyed,youngorold.Howeverthewifeistooyoungformatrimonialintercourseshehas
norighttomaintenancefromherhusband,whethersheislivinginhishouseorwithherparents.[15]
The husband is bound to maintain his wife so long as she is faithful to him and obeys his reasonable
orders.[16]Itisdecidedinaninterestingcase[17]byStrachyandBadruddinTyabji,JJ.,thatdisobedient
wifeneednottobemaintained.Strachy,J.,observed:
the husbands duty to maintain his wife is conditional on her obedience and he is not bound to
maintainherifsheisdisobeyshimbyrefusingtolivewithhimorotherwise.[18]Onlypaidoccasional
visitstohusbandhouse,stayingforanightorsoreturningonoccasiontomothershouseIamclearly
of the opinion that in such circumstances the Muhammadan husband is not bound to give his wife
separatemaintenance
TosomeeffecttheobservationsofTyabji,J,.:
itisimpossibletoholdthataMussulmanwifedefyingherhusband,refusingtolivewithhim,and
bringingscandalouschargesagainsthim,canyetclaimtobemaintainedseparatelyattheexpensesofher
husband.[19]
Wherethemarriageisvalidandthewifeiscapabletorendermaritalintercourseitsthehusbandsduty
tomaintainhiswifeeventhoughshemayhavemeanstomaintainherself.[20]Butifsheunjustifiably
refuses to cohabit with her husband then she loses her right for maintenance.[21] The right of
maintenance would also be lost if the wife refuses to obey the reasonable commands of the
Husband[22] but not so if disobedience is justified by circumstances[23] or if she is forced to leave
husbandshouseonaccountofcruelty,[24]sothatofthehusbandrefusestomaintainhiswifewithout
any lawful reasons/causes the wife may sue him for maintenance. She is not however entitled to past
maintenance.Maintenanceispayablefromthedateofthedecreeunlesstheclaimisbasedonspecific
agreement.[25]
Whereawifeisturnedoutorilltreatedsoastomakeherimpossibletostayorlivetogetherwithher
husband, or where the breach between the wife and husband is irremediable she is entitled to
maintenancebylivingseparatefromhimwhetherthequestionarisesu/s.125oftheCodeofCriminal
Procedure1973(correspondingsection.488oftheCodeofCriminalProcedure1998)[26]orinasuitfor
restitution of conjugal life.[27]To summarise, the wife loose the right to maintenance in the following
circumstances:
6/18
11/26/2014
i.Sheisminor,incapableofconsummation.
ii.Refusefreeaccesstothehusbandatallreasonabletimes.
iii.Isdisobedient.
iv.Nevervisitedhishouse.
v.Refusestocohabitwithhimwithoutreasonableexcuse.
vi.Abandonconjugalhomewithoutreasonablereasons.
vii.Desertshim.
viii.Elopeswithanotherperson.
Thehusbandandwifeortheirguardianmayenterintoagreementwherebythewifeisentitledtorecover
maintenance from her husband, on the happening of some special event such as illtreatment,
disagreement, husbands second marriage etc. but the agreement in the marriage contract that the wife
wouldnotbeentitledtomaintenanceisvoid.[28]Thekeyconsiderationisthattheagreementshouldnot
beopposedtothepublicpolicyandMuslimLaw.
An agreement between a Muslim and his first wife, made after his marriage with a second wife,
providingforcertainmaintenanceforherifshecouldnotinfuturegetonwiththesecondwife,washeld
notvoidonthegroundofthepublicpolicy.[29]
Followingsarethevalidconditionsforanagreement:
i. If the husband treats the wife with cruelty then the wife has a right to separate residence and
maintainedtomeetit.
ii. If he brings subsequent wife and the previous wife is unable to with her, she will get maintenance
allowancetoliveseparatelyorevenatherfathershouse.[30]
iii.Ifhebringshisotherwifetothematrimonialhome,shewillresideatherfathershomeandhewill
givehermaintenance.[31]ThisviewwasreiteratedbytheKarnatakaHighCourt.[32]
iv.Incaseofdisagreementwitheachother,hewillgivehermaintenanceforherseparateresidence.
7/18
11/26/2014
AfterdivorcetheMahomedanwifeisentitledtomaintenanceduringthetimeperiodofIddat[33]and
alsoforthetime,ifany,thatelapsedaftertheexpiryoftheperiodofIddatandherreceivingnoticeof
Talak.[34]AfterexpiryoftheperiodIddattheenforceabilityoftheorderofmaintenanceceases.[35]
Thewifeisentitledtosueformaintenanceathernormalplaceofresidenceatthetimeofdivorceandthe
place where she receives the notice thereof.[36] Suit by divorced for Hibajewels lies where the wife
resides.[37]
Awidowisnotentitledtomaintenanceoutoftheestateofherlatehusbandinadditiontowhatsheis
entitledtobyinheritanceorunderhiswill.[38]
(ii)MaintenanceofChildren:
In case of Legitimate Children the maintenance of the children is rest upon the father. In Hedaya, the
followingverseoftheKoran,namely
Themaintenanceofwomanwhosucklesaninfantrestsonhimtowhomtheinfantisborn,
Ismentionedandfromwhichithasbeeninferredthatthemaintenanceaninfantchildisrestuponthe
father,because,asmaintenanceisdecreedtothenurseonaccountofhersustainingthechildwithher
milk,itfollowsthatthesameisduetothechildhimselfafortiori.[39]
Thus a father is bound to maintain his sons until they attain puberty and his daughter until they are
married.Heisalsoresponsiblefortheupkeepo0fhiswidowedordivorceddaughter,orachildinthe
custody of the mother. The father is not bound to provide separate maintenance for a minor or an
unmarrieddaughterwhorefusestolivewithhimwithoutreasonablecause.Anadultsonneednottobe
maintainedunlesshehisinfirm.[40]Thefatherisnotboundtomaintainachildwhoiscapableofbeing
maintainedoutofhisorherownproperty.[41]
Ifthefatherispoororinfirmthenthemotherisboundtomaintainthechildren.Andfailingheritisthe
dutyoftheparentalgrandfather.[42]
In case of Illegitimate Children, Muslim Law the father is not bound to maintain illegitimate children.
8/18
11/26/2014
U/S488oftheCriminalProcedureCode,1908(asamendedupto1955),howeverdidboundthefatherto
payareasonableamountevenhimthemotherrefusestosurrendertheillegitimatechildtohim.
Inacase[43]itwasheld,Anagreementtomaintainanillegitimatechild,forwhichtheMuhammadan
Lawmakesnoprovision,willinmyopinionnothavetheeffectofdefeatingtheprovisionsofanylaw.
Asamatteroffactthemaintenanceoftheillegitimatechildrenhasbeenstatutorilyrecognisedu/s488of
theCrPCinourcountryanditisinconsonancewiththiswholesomepolicythattheoffspringbornunder
suchcircumstancesaretobeprovidedforandshouldnotbelefttothemisfortunesofthevagrancyand
itsattendedsocialconsequences.
Itis,howevernotopento0aCourttoawardmaintenanceu/s.488oftheCrPCunlessexpresslyasked
for.[44]
c.MaintenanceunderChristianLaw
A Christian woman can claim maintenance from her spouse through criminal proceeding or/and civil
proceeding.Interestedpartiesmaypursuebothcriminalandcivilproceedings,simultaneously,asthereis
nolegalbartoit.Incriminalproceedings,thereligionofthepartiesdoesnotmatteratall,unlikeincivil
proceedings.
Section36oftheIndianDivorceAct,1869(IDA)aresimilartoS.24ofHMACTHoweverS.36ofIDA
differsintherespectthatthemaintenancependenteliteandinterimmaintenancecanonlybeclaimedby
thewifeandnotbythehusband.
IfadivorcedChristianwifecannotsupportherinthepostdivorceperiodsheneednotworryasaremedy
is in store for her in law. Under S.37 of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869, she can apply for alimony/
maintenanceinacivilcourtorHighCourtand,husbandwillbeliabletopayheralimonysuchsum,as
the court may order, till her lifetime. The Indian Divorce Act, 1869 which is only applicable to those
personswhopracticetheChristianityreligioninteraliagovernsmaintenancerightsofaChristianwife.
The provisions are the same as those under the Parsi law and the same considerations are applied in
granting maintenance, both alimony pendente lite and permanent maintenance. The provisions of the
IndianDivorceAct,1869,areproducedhereincoveredunderpartIXS.36S.38
Thepowerofordermonthlyorweeklypayments:
Ineverysuchcase,theCourtmaymakeanorderonthehusbandforpaymenttothewifeofsuchmonthly
9/18
11/26/2014
orweeklysumsforhermaintenanceandsupportastheCourtmaythinkreasonable:
Providedthatifthehusbandafterwardsfromanycausebecomesunabletomakesuchpayments,itshall
belawfulfortheCourttodischargeormodifytheorder,ortemporarilytosuspendthesameastothe
wholeoranypartofthemoneysoorderedtobepaid,andagaintorevivethesameorderwhollyorin
partastotheCourtseemsfit.
Undersection38oftheIndianDivorceAct,1869,inallcasesinwhichtheCourtmakesanydecreeor
orderforalimony,itmaydirectthesametobepaideithertothewifeherself,ortoanytrusteeonher
behalftobeapprovedbytheCourt,andmayimposeanytermsorrestrictionswhichtotheCourtseem
expedient,andmayfromtimetotimeappointanewtrustee,ifitappearstotheCourtexpedientsotodo.
d.MaintenanceunderParsiLaw:
Parsi can claim maintenance from the spouse through criminal proceedings or/ and civil proceedings.
Interestedpartiesmaypursuebothcriminalandcivilproceedings,simultaneouslyasthereisnolegalbar
to it. In the criminal proceedings the religion of the parties doesn't matter at all unlike the civil
proceedings.
IftheHusbandrefusestopaymaintenance,wifecaninformthecourtthattheHusbandisrefusingtopay
maintenanceevenaftertheorderofthecourt.ThecourtcanthensentencetheHusbandtoimprisonment
unlessheagreestopay.TheHusbandcanbedetainedinthejailsolongashedoesnotpay.TheParsi
MarriageandDivorceAct,1936speaksabouttherightofwifetomaintenancebothalimonypendente
liteandpermanentalimony.Themaximumamountcanbedecreedbycourtasalimonyduringthetimea
matrimonial suit is pending in court is onefifth of the husband's net income. In fixing the permanent
maintenance, the court will determine what is just, bearing in mind the ability of husband, wife's own
assetsandconductofthepartiesandthisorderwillremaininforceaslongaswiferemainschasteand
unmarried.Incaseofpendentiliteandinterimmaintenancesections39oftheParsiMarriageandDivorce
Act,1936(PMDA)issimilartoS.24ofHMACT.
S.40.ofParsiMarriageandDivorceActsaysthatthedefendantshallpaytotheplaintiffforherorhis
maintenanceandsupport,suchgrosssumorsuchmonthlyorperiodicalsum,foratermnotexceeding
the life of the plaintiff as having regard to the defendants own income and other property, if any, the
incomeandotherpropertyoftheplaintiff,theconductofthepartiesandothercircumstancesofthecase,
itmayseemtotheCourttobejust,andanysuchpaymentmaybesecured,ifnecessary,byachargeon
themovableorimmovablepropertyofthedefendant.
TheCourtifitissatisfieditmay,attheinstanceofeitherparty,vary,modifyorrescindanysuchorderin
10/18
11/26/2014
suchmannerastheCourtmaydeemjustandiftheCourtissatisfiedthatthepartlyinwhosefavour,an
order has been made under this section has remarried or, if such party is the wife, that she has not
remainedchaste,or,ifsuchpartyisthehusband,thathehadsexualintercoursewithanywomanoutside
wedlock,itmay,attheinstanceoftheotherparty,vary,modifyorrescindanysuchorderinsuchmanner
astheCourtmaydeemjust.
e.MaintenanceunderCodeofCriminalProcedure1973.
S.125.Orderformaintenanceofwives,childrenandparents.
(1)Ifanypersonhavingsufficientmeansneglectsorrefusestomaintain
(a)hiswife,unabletomaintainherself,or
(b)hislegitimateorillegitimateminorchild,whethermarriedornot,unabletomaintainitself,or
(c)hislegitimateorillegitimatechild(notbeingamarrieddaughter)whohasattainedmajority,where
suchchildisbyreasonofanyphysicalormentalabnormalityorinjuryunabletomaintainitself,or
(d)hisfatherormother,unabletomaintainhimselforherself,
Itshouldbekeptinviewthattheprovisionrelatingtomaintenanceunderanypersonallawisdistinctand
separate.Thereisnoconflictbetweenthetwoprovisions.Apersonmaysueformaintenanceunders.125
of Cr.P.C. If a person has already obtained maintenance order under his or her personal law, the
magistrate while fixing the amount of maintenance may take that into consideration while fixing the
quantum of maintenance under the Code. But he cannot be ousted of his jurisdiction. The basis of the
relief, under the concerned section is the refusal or neglect to maintain his wife, children, father or
motherbyapersonwhohassufficientmeanstomaintainthem.Theburdenofproofisonhimtoshow
thathehasnosufficientmeanstomaintainandtoprovidemaintenance.
Section125givesastatutoryrecognitiontothemoral,legalandfundamentaldutyofamantomaintain
hiswife,childrenandagedparents.Althoughthissectionalsobenefitsadistressedfather,themainthrust
ofthissectiontoassistwomenandchildren.Article15(3)oftheIndianconstitutionenvisagedthatthe
statecanmakespecialprovisionforwomanandchildren.Section125isalsoalongthelinesofArt.39of
11/18
11/26/2014
theIndianConstitutionthatstatesthattheStateshalldirectitspolicytowardsensuringthatallcitizens
both men and women have equal access to means of livelihood and children and youths are given
facilitiesopportunitiesinconditionsoffreedomanddignity.
Atthetimeofenactmentofthiscodesection125isintendedtobeapplicabletoallirr5espective3oftheir
personalLawsalthoughmaintenanceisaCivilremedyyetithasbeenmadeapartofthisCodetohavea
quickremedyandproceedingsandS.125isnotatrailasnonpaymentofmaintenanceisnotacriminal
offence.
The word any person u/s. 125 includes a person belongs to the undivided family although the
proceedings strictly against the individual concern and not the undivided family. However, the
Magistrate may take into consideration the joint family property is determining the amount of
maintenancethatshouldbepayablebysuchperson..italsoincludesaperson,afather,anadultsonand
amarrieddaughter.Butnotincludeamotherorawifeoranunmarrieddaughter.
Refusalonneglecttomaintain:
Ithasbeenheldthattherefusalorneglecttomaintainmaybeexpressedorimplied,itmaybebywords
or by conduct and action. Sometimes refusal or neglect may be constituted by something more, than
morefailureandomission.However,inrelationtoapersonwhohasnovolitionofhisorherown,likein
caseofachildmerefailureoromissionshallconstituterefusalorneglecttomaintain.
Thetermmaintenancehasbeengenerallyinterpretedtoincludefood,clothingandlodging.Howeverin
recenttimeithasbeenheldthatanyotherrequirements,i.e.,necessaryforapersontoremainfithealthy
andaliveisalsotobeincludedwithinperipheryofthetermmaintenance.
JudicialPronouncement:
MaintenancetoWife:
In Divyananda v. Jayarai[45], two Roman Catholic entered into Suyamaryadhai form of marriage and
livedtogetherashusbandandwifeforperiodof5monthsinthecourseofwhichthewifeconceiveda
child.TheCourtrejectedthepetitionofthewomanasshewasnotalegallyweddedwife.TheCourtheld
thatbeingChristian,theirmarriageinaccordancetoHinducustomswithoutanyconversionwasvoidab
initio and hence the woman was not a wife in the eye of law. As such the woman could not claim
maintenanceU/S.125of,althoughherchildrenillegitimatewouldbeentitledtomaintenanceU/S.125.
12/18
11/26/2014
InthecaseofK.Sivaramav.K.Bharathi[46],thatanymarriageincontraventionofSection5&11of
theHinduMarriageAct,cannotbeconsideredtobethevalidmarriage.Suchawomancannotrecourse
maintenanceU/S.25oftheHinduMarriageActforclaimingmaintenance.
InthecaseofAmbaramv.Reshambai[47],theourtheldthatalthoughthelotofwomenwhoenteredinto
marriagewithoutknowingaboutthesubsistenceofanothermarriageofherhusband,althoughdeservea
sympathetictreatmentyetawardingofmaintenanceU/S.25&ifanyappealistobemade,itshouldbe
madetothelegislature.
In the case of Abdul Salim v. Nagima Begam[48], the Court held that the phrase unable to maintain
herself should not be interpreted to mean that a wife in order to claim maintenance should be an
absolutedestituteorshouldbeintatteredclothes,orshouldbethefirstoneoutofthestreettobeg.The
very fact is that she has no other means of her own other than that of her husband to maintain her
adequatelytoentitlehertotherightofmaintenance.
MaintenanceforLivingTogether
In S.P.S. Balasubramanyam v Suruttayan Andalli Padayachi&Ors.[49] The Supreme Court allowed

presumptionofmarriageu/s114ofEvidenceActoutofliveinrelationsandpresumedthattheirchildren
werelegitimate.Hence,theyarerightfullyentitledtoreceiveashareinancestralproperty.Intheinstance
case,MatrimonialclaimherbrotherMuthuReddiarspropertywhodiedunmarriedandintestate.
InAbhijitBhikasethAutiv.StateOfMaharashtraandOthers,[50]thepositiveopinioninfavouroflive
in relationship was also seconded by Maharashtra Government in October, 2008 when it accepted the
proposalmadebyMalimathCommitteeandLawCommissionofIndiawhichsuggestedthatifawoman
hasbeeninaliveinrelationshipforconsiderablylongtime,sheoughttoenjoythelegalstatusasgiven
towife.
MaintenancetoChildren:
In Ram Chandra Giri v. Ram Suraj Giri[51], where the father of a minor son neglected to provide
maintenance,apetitionwasfiledundersection125ofCrPC.Thereuponthefathercontendedthattheson
hasagoodphysicandwashealthyandhencehehadtheabilitytofendforhimself.TheCourtrejected
the contention and stated that the concept of potential earning capacity cannot be applied to, minor
childrenasthatwoulddefeattheverypurposelegislation.
13/18
11/26/2014
Tostepmother:
According to the Orissa High Court held in Pitei Bewa v. Larimidhi Jena[52] she would be included
within the word mother. The Allahabad High Court has supported this view.[53] But in Rewal v.
Kamalabai[54] has held the contrary view and the High Court of Andhra has supported the
interpretation[55] that mother includes adoptive mother and he has the right to claim maintenance
againsttheadoptiveson.
MarrieddaughtersLiability:
VijayaManoharArbatv.KashiramRajaraSawai[56],theSupremeCourtinalandmarkjudgementheld
that the married daughter is liable to provide maintenance to their aged parents if they are unable to
maintainthemselves.InthiscaseMr.Dutta&Mr.Ojha,JJ,heldthatmarrieddaughterdoesnotceaseto
bedaughteronhergettingmarried.FarthermoretheCourtheldthatifitistobedecided,thatdaughter
has no liability to maintain their aged parents, those who have no son only daughter, would become
destituteandbeggariftheirdaughterprovidesformaintenance.
Alterationinallowance(S.127oftheCrPC):
Onthecaseof,BaiTahirav.AliHussainFissali[57],itwasheldbytheSCthatiftheamountofdeferred
Meharpaidatthetimeofdivorceisadequatelytosustainthewifethroughherlifetimethenanorderof
maintenanceU/S.125shallbeliabletobecancelledinaccordancetoS.127(3).Thesameviewpointwas
reiteratedinFuzlumbiv.K.KhaderAli[58].
But in Shah Bano Begum v. Mohd. Ahmed Khan[59], the SC held that Mehar is an amount paid in
considerationofmoneyandnotofdivorceandhence,itdoesnotfulfiltheconditionoftheS.127(3)(b).
Therefore, irrespective of the amount of deferredMehar at the time of divorce an amount of
maintenancecannotbecancelledU/S.127(3)(b).
Suggestions:
Whilethesearesignificantrulingscapableofafarreachingimpact,unlesstheyareusedintrialcourt
litigationandareusedtochangesocialnormswithincommunitiestheywillremainmerelyornamental
snippetsinlawjournals.Unlessallthosewhoarecommittedorarestatutorilyboundtoprotecttherights
14/18
11/26/2014
of Muslim women lawyers, women's groups and social workers are aware of these gains, the
judicialpronouncementswillceasetohaveanimpactupontheirlives,aswasthecasewithShahBano.
Tillnownothinghastranspiredassuchwhichwouldshowthatthereexistsamisbalanceandthatany
genderhasbeendeprivedoftheirfundamentalrights.Whenwemovetowardsrepercussionsofdivorce,
thencomestolightMaintenanceORAlimony.OnthisaspecttheGovt.hastakenanorthodoxviewand
consideredwomenasweakersexandhasmadespecialprovisionsshouldbechanged.
The maintenance should not vary in any of the case where the wife is able to maintain herself. The
maintenanceamountshouldbeassessedbythecourtsoncasetocasebasisanditshouldonlybetreated
andarticulatedaspunishmentfortheerringspouseandnotasarightofwoman.
Ifthehusbandtreatshiswifewithcrueltyandcompelshertoleavethematrimonialhome.Herethe
wifewasforcedtoleavethematrimonialhomewithoutanyofherfaultandisentitledtomaintenance.
Butifthewifetreatsthehusbandwithcrueltyandthenonherownsheleavesthematrimonialhomeor
compelsthehusbandtoleavethematrimonialhomeorcompelsthehusbandtoleavehisageoldparents,
sheisnotentitledforanymaintenancewhatsoever.Foronesownwrongdoing,wecannotpunishthe
otherorsayvictim.Lawshouldbeamended.
Unconditionally entitling a wife of 50% of residential property of her husband would make divorce
casestogrowexponentially.Timeshavechangedandneedlesstomention,thepositionofwomaninthe
societyisnotassame(low)asitwas35yearsago.TheGovt.shouldreconsideritsdecisionandshould
notbowdowntobunchofWomenActivistswhosehomesrunonthenameofbeingfeministsandwho
areresponsibleinthiscountryforbiasedandantimenlaws.Lawsinanycountryshouldbemadewithan
objective to bring harmony amongst the citizens. No law should empower a citizen to misuse it and
harassothers.Repercussionstothisamendmentifpassedinitspresentformaredeadly.
Conclusions:
By virtue of judicial pronouncements and other steps, rights of women has been restored but it will
becomefruitfulonlywhenunderlyingthinkingarechanged,thewomenshouldemancipatethemselves
educationally, economically and socially for their well being only and then they can understand their
rights and worth and thereafter the social upliftment of the whole community is possible. We should
always remember that mother is the first teacher and mentor of his child. It is a historical fact that no
societyeverlivedinpeaceuntiltheirwomenfolkareatpeace.
Although Maintenance should be gender neutral and should be applicable both for husband and wife
respectively for the greater perspective of the society but still many women are being denied to claim
15/18
11/26/2014
their rights of maintenance. Proper implementation is necessary to abide by the Law of the Land and
ultimatelytomakeitagrandsuccess.
Bibliography
1.Dr.ParasDiwan,ModernHinduLaw,20thedition(AllahabadLawAgency)
2.CharlesHamilton,TheHedaya,orGuide:AComentaryontheMuslimLaw,2ndEdition(London
1870)
3.SyedKhalidRashidsMuslimLaw,5thedition
4.BailliesDigest,Calcutta,1805
5. Polygamy, Unilateral Divorce and Mehr in Muslim Law as interpreted in India, in Tahir
Mahmood(ED.),IslamicLawinmodernIndia,ILI,1972
6.A.A.A.Fyzee,OutlinesofMohammedanLaw,(3rdedition,1964)
7.D.F.Mulla,PrinciplesvofMohammedanLaw,18thedition(Mumbai,1977)
[1]440U.S.268,99S.Ct.1102,59L.Ed.2d306(1979)
[2](Ala.Code30251to30253[1975])
[3]http://legaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/maintenance,visitedon01062013
[6]Dr.ParasDiwan,ModernHinduLaw,20thedition(AllahabadLawAgency),atp.448
[7]Ibid
[8]Ibid
[9]Ibid,atp.449
[10]http://www.brentonpriestley.com/writing/alimony.html,visitedon12062013
[11]http://www.familylawireland.ie/maintenance/maintenance/visitedon12062013
[12]CharlesHamilton,TheHedaya,orGuide:AComentaryontheMuslimLaw,2ndEdition(London
1870),
16/18
11/26/2014
atp.140
[13]SyedKhalidRashidsMuslimLaw,5thedition,atp.181
[14]BailliesDigest,Calcutta,1805,atp.437
[15]SupraNote12
[16]Supranote13,atp.182
[17]Av.B,(ILR(1896)21Bom.77)
[18]SupraNote12,atp.182
[19] Polygamy, Unilateral Divorce and Mehr in Muslim Law as interpreted in India, in Tahir
Mahmood(ED.),IslamicLawinmodernIndia,ILI,1972atp.142
[20]SaidAhmedv.SultanBibi(AIR1943Pesh.73)
[21]AliAkbarv.FatimaBegum(AIR1929Lah.660)Mst.Ismabaiv.UmarMahomedSidik(AIR
1930sind.11)MahomedAliv.Mt.GhulamFatima(AIR1935Lah.902)
[22]Mt.Khatijanv.Abdullah(AIR1943Sind.65)
[23]KhurshidBegumv.AbdulRashid(AIR1927Nag.139)
[24]AmirMohd.v.Mt.Bushra(AIR1956Raj.102)
[25]AbdoolFatehv.Zabunnessa(6Cal.631)Supranote20MandyMatherv.BijanBai(AIR1930
Mad.234)
[26]Shamshuddinv.ZaminaBibi((1962)2Cr.Lj.124)
[27]Chandbiv.Badesha(AIR1961Bom.121)
[28]Supranote13,atp184
[29]Mansurv.Azizul(AIR1928Oudh.303)
[30]Sakinav.ShamshadKhan((1936)Pesh195)
[31]SupraNote26
[32]Ashabiv.BashasabTakke((2003)2KantLJ429)
[33]MunnisaBegumv.NurMohd.(AIR1975AP231)
[34]Rashidv.AnishaKhatoon((1932)59I.A.21)AhmedKasinv.KhatunBibi(AIR1933Cal.27
)
[35]SupraNote23
[36]Mohd.Ibrahimv.JaithoonBibi(AIR1951Mad.831)
17/18
11/26/2014
[37]SupraNote30
[38]Mohd.Jafferv.KoolsumBeebee((1897)25Cal.9)
[39]SupraNote12,atp.146
[40]A.A.A.Fyzee,OutlinesofMohammedanLaw,(3rdedition,1964),atp.214
[41]D.F.Mulla,PrinciplesvofMohammedanLaw,18thedition(Mumbai,1977),atp.383
[42]Ibid
[43]Sukhav.Ninni(AIR1966Raj163)
[44]Pavitriv.Katheesumma(AIR1959Ker319)
[45]1984CrLJNOC10(Mad)
[46]1986CrLJ317(AP)
[47]AIR1976SC2196
[48]1980CrLJ232
[49]AIR1992SC756
[50]AIR2009(NOC)808(Bom.)
[51]1980,CrLJ349(Mad)
[52]1985CrLJ1124(Ori)
[53]1990CrLJ128(All)
[54]1986CrLJ282(Mp)
[55]1989CrLJ673(AP)
[56]AIR1987SC1110
[57]AIR1979SC362
[58]AIR1980SC1730
[59]AIR1985SC945
Source:http://legaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/maintenance,
http://www.brentonpriestley.com/writing/alimony.html,
http://www.familylawireland.ie/maintenance/maintenance/
18/18

Lawyersclubindia Article - Law of Maintenance in India Under Personal Laws - An Analysis PDF

Transféré par

Informations du document

Description originale:

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Lawyersclubindia Article - Law of Maintenance in India Under Personal Laws - An Analysis PDF

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

11/26/2014

In S.P.S. Balasubramanyam v Suruttayan Andalli Padayachi&Ors.[49] The Supreme Court allowed

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi