Kerala High Court Advocates for Comprehensive Maintenance Law

The Kerala High Court has urged Parliament to consider enacting a comprehensive maintenance law, ensuring destitute women and children receive a monthly allowance without the need for legal proceedings. Justice C.S. Dias emphasized the delays in the enforcement of maintenance orders despite guidelines from the apex court.

The court suggested amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to streamline maintenance processes for wives, children, and parents. The plea comes as destitute individuals face challenges in obtaining their rightful maintenance, necessitating legislative changes. The court’s stance emerged during a revision petition where a man faced imprisonment for non-payment of maintenance arrears to his wife and children.

The court upheld the imprisonment order but advocated for legislative reforms to simplify maintenance procedures and support vulnerable individuals.