The Allahabad High Court held that a daughter-in-law is not legally required to maintain her parents-in-law under Section 125 CrPC / Section 144 BNSS. The Court clarified that moral responsibility cannot be treated as a legal obligation unless the law specifically provides for it.
The Kerala High Court held that a woman’s right to maintenance from her son is independent of her husband’s obligation. The Court ordered a Gulf-based son to pay Rs 5,000 monthly to his 60-year-old mother despite her husband providing support.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that a daughter-in-law must support her mother-in-law with maintenance after securing compassionate employment post her husband’s death. Justice Brar emphasized moral duties alongside legal obligations, requiring her to pay Rs 10,000 monthly despite the absence of explicit mandates in Section 125 of the CrPC.
