Published Paper Details:

The right to maintenance is a crucial legal safeguard aimed at ensuring financial security and dignity for women in India, particularly in situations of marital breakdown, desertion, or neglect. Rooted in principles of social justice and gender equality, maintenance laws seek to protect women who are economically dependent on their spouses or families. Various legal frameworks, including personal laws and statutory provisions such as Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, provide mechanisms through which women can claim maintenance. Despite the existence of these provisions, the practical realization of maintenance rights remains inconsistent due to factors such as lack of awareness, procedural delays, and socio-economic barriers. Judicial interpretations have progressively expanded the scope of maintenance to include not only basic survival needs but also a standard of living comparable to that enjoyed during marriage. Recent legal developments emphasize the importance of timely and fair maintenance to uphold women's rights and prevent destitution. This paper examines the legal framework governing maintenance, analyses key judicial trends, and highlights the challenges faced by women in accessing these rights. It also underscores the need for reforms to ensure effective implementation and greater accessibility of maintenance provisions, thereby strengthening the protection of women's economic rights in India.