The Supreme Court has ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law qualifies as a dependant under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956. This recognition allows her to legally seek maintenance from the estate left behind by her deceased father-in-law.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law is not obligated to reside in her matrimonial home to claim maintenance from her father-in-law under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956. The court emphasized societal and cultural norms influencing a widow’s choice of residence and recognized the right to claim maintenance regardless of living arrangements.