Maintenance in Matrimonial Matters: A General Overview

The Main Legal Provisions

• Section 144, BNSS (earlier Section 125 CrPC) — maintenance for a wife, children and parents unable to maintain themselves.
• Section 24, Hindu Marriage Act — interim maintenance and litigation expenses while a matrimonial case is pending; either spouse can apply.
• Section 25, Hindu Marriage Act — permanent alimony at the time of, or after, the decree.
• Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 — maintenance of a wife, children and aged parents.
• Section 20, Domestic Violence Act — monetary relief for an aggrieved woman.

How the Amount Is Decided

In Rajnesh v. Neha (2020) the Supreme Court required both parties to file an affidavit disclosing their assets and liabilities and listed the factors courts should consider — the status of the parties, reasonable needs of the claimant and children, the claimant's qualifications and employment, the income and liabilities of the other side, and the standard of living during the marriage. Amounts awarded under different laws are adjusted against each other so that there is no double payment.

What Evidence Helps

• Salary slips, income tax returns and bank statements
• Proof of expenses — rent, school fees, medical bills
• Information about the other side's employment, business or property
• Records of past payments, if any

When Payments Stop

Unpaid maintenance can be recovered through execution proceedings, including attachment of salary or property. Either side can also apply to modify the amount if circumstances change significantly.

भरण पोषण का केस क्या होता है?

जो पत्नी, बच्चे या माता-पिता अपना भरण पोषण नहीं कर सकते, वे न्यायालय से गुजारा भत्ता मांग सकते हैं। राशि दोनों पक्षों की आय, संपत्ति और ज़रूरतों के आधार पर तय होती है, और दोनों पक्षों को अपनी संपत्ति और देनदारियों का शपथपत्र देना होता है।