Hindu Adoptions & Maintenance Act- Minor Children Of Widowed Daughter-In-Law Entitled To Maintenance U/s. 19: P&H HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that the minor children of a widowed daughter-in-law are entitled to maintenance under Section 19 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956.

The Court said that the word “widow” would include the minor grandchildren staying with their mother.

A Single Bench of Justice Anil Kshetarpal observed, “The 1956 Act is a beneficial legislation enacted in order to take care of the destitute daughter-in-law who, on account of unfortunate circumstances, becomes a widow. The word “widow” would include the minor grand children who are staying with their mother.”

Advocate Abhimanyu Singh appeared for the petitioner.

The Bench was dealing with a matter in which the Family Court had directed the petitioner to pay the maintenance of Rs. 2,000/- each to his three grandchildren. Hence, the revision petition was filed by the petitioner challenging the correctness of the said order.

The counsel representing the petitioner contended before the Court that Section 19 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 entitles the widowed daughter-in-law to file an application, however, there is no provision for directing the petitioner to pay the maintenance to the grandchildren.

The High Court refused to interfere in the matter and asserted that no ground is made out for the same.

Accordingly, the Court dismissed the revision petition.

Cause Title- Hari Ram Hans v. Smt. Deepali and Others

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