Legal Clarity · 03
Maintenance & Financial Support
Who may have to support whom during or after a relationship dispute?
The picture
Indian law has more than one maintenance route. Courts generally consider needs, means, conduct required by the statute, dependants and the stage of the dispute. Exact entitlement is fact-specific.
Where it applies
Different statutes can apply at the same time. Orders may be interim, final, varied or cancelled under the applicable law.
Questions people ask
The law behind these answers
Statutes & sections, linked to the official source.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Section 144
India CodeMaintenance of wives, children and parents
Provides a summary maintenance route for specified wives, children and parents who are unable to maintain themselves, subject to the statute.
Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 · Section 18
India CodeMaintenance of wife
Provides maintenance rights for a Hindu wife in the circumstances described by the Act.
Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 · Section 20
India CodeMaintenance of children and aged parents
Addresses maintenance obligations toward children and aged or infirm parents.
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 · Section 24
India CodeMaintenance pendente lite and expenses
Allows interim financial support and litigation expenses during proceedings, based on the parties' means.
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 · Section 25
India CodePermanent alimony and maintenance
Allows longer-term financial provision after certain matrimonial orders, with scope to vary or rescind as the statute allows.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 · Section 20
India CodeMonetary reliefs
Allows monetary relief for expenses, losses and maintenance consistent with the Act.
Special Marriage Act, 1954 · Section 36
India CodeAlimony pendente lite
Allows interim support and expenses during proceedings, subject to the statutory conditions.
Special Marriage Act, 1954 · Section 37
India CodePermanent alimony and maintenance
Allows longer-term financial provision after certain orders under the Act.
RelaSense Legal Clarity provides reviewed general information for India, not legal advice for your specific situation. For decisions affecting safety, money, housing, children or legal rights, consult a qualified advocate.