Maintenance
Financial support one person is legally obligated to provide to a spouse, child, or dependent parent.
In Simple Terms
Money one family member is required to pay to support another who can't support themselves.
Detailed Legal Meaning
Maintenance obligations arise both under personal laws applicable to the parties and under the general provision available to any person regardless of religion, providing support to a spouse, minor child, or aged/infirm parent unable to maintain themselves, and can be ordered on an interim or final basis.
Relevant Acts & Sections
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (general provision)Search on India Code ↗
- personal laws applicable to the partiesSearch on India Code ↗