Here is a concise summary of Section 125 of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC):
Section 125 - Order for Maintenance of Wives, Children and Parents
Key Points:- A Magistrate can order a person with sufficient means to provide monthly maintenance to:His wife who is unable to maintain herself
- The Magistrate can order interim maintenance and expenses of the proceedings to be paid during the pendency of the maintenance application.
- Failure to comply with the maintenance order can result in the Magistrate issuing a warrant to recover the amount or sentencing the person to up to 1 month of imprisonment.
- A wife is not entitled to maintenance if she is living in adultery, refuses to live with her husband without sufficient reason, or is living separately by mutual consent.
- The nature of proceedings under Section 125 is civil, not strictly criminal, and the provisions are to be construed liberally for the welfare of the wife and children.