Widowed Hindu Daughter-In-Law Entitled to Maintenance from Father-In-Law’s Estate: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that a Hindu daughter-in-law, who becomes a widow after the death of her father-in-law, is entitled to claim maintenance from his estate.

The Court clarified that under Hindu law, the obligation to maintain a widowed daughter-in-law does not automatically cease with the father-in-law’s death and can be enforced against his estate, subject to legal requirements. 

It observed that such a right flows from statutory provisions and is meant to prevent destitution of widowed women.

The Court emphasised that denial of maintenance would defeat the protective object of Hindu personal law.

[Kanchana Rai v. Geeta Sharma]