Broad Interpretation of “Wife” for Maintenance: Punjab & Haryana High Court Ruling
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has emphasized that the term “wife” should be interpreted broadly for maintenance purposes, even in cases where a marriage might be legally invalid. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar clarified that a relationship “in the nature of marriage” is sufficient for claiming maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, and the subsistence of a previous marriage does not bar such claims. The court has remanded the matter to determine the maintenance amount.