Navigating Child Maintenance Under Indian Law: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1956 and Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973

Abstract

This research paper explores the provisions for child maintenance under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1956 (HMA), and Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC), which are crucial for ensuring children's welfare in cases of parental separation or divorce. The paper analyzes the legal frameworks governing child maintenance, highlighting key principles and study of relevant case laws that shape their application and fulfill the objectives of the social legislation to prevent vagrancy and destitute.It offers insights into determining maintenance amounts, parental liabilities, the rights of illegitimate children, modification of maintenance orders, and enforcement mechanisms.