Section 144 of BNSS : Section 144: Order for maintenance of wives, children and parents.

Maintenance of Dependents

(1) If a person who has enough money does not take care of:

• (a) his wife, who cannot support herself; or
• (b) his legitimate or illegitimate child, whether married or not, who cannot support itself; or
• (c) his legitimate or illegitimate child (not a married daughter) who is an adult but cannot support itself due to physical or mental issues; or
• (d) his father or mother, who cannot supp

Example 1:

Scenario: Rajesh, a well-off businessman, has separated from his wife, Priya. Priya is not employed and has no means to support herself. Rajesh has also stopped providing financial support to their 10-year-old son, Aryan.

Application: Priya approaches the Magistrate of the first class and provides proof that Rajesh has sufficient means but is neglecting to maintain her and Aryan. The Magistrate, upon verifying the evidence, orders Rajesh to pay a monthly allowance to Priya for her and Aryan's maintenance.

Outcome: R