Widowed Daughter-in-law, Children Entitled to Maintenance from In-laws: Jharkhand HC

The Jharkhand High Court has upheld a family court order granting maintenance to a widowed daughter-in-law and her minor children under Sections 19 and 22 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956.

The Court held that if a widow is unable to maintain herself and the in-laws hold coparcenary property, they are legally bound to provide maintenance.

The bench found that the widow had no source of income, the joint family property remained unpartitioned, and statutory conditions were met.

The in-laws’ appeal challenging the order was dismissed, confirming their obligation to support her and the children. (Surendra Das & Anr. v. Anita Das & Ors.)