• Nandini Kansal

The present study on Maintenance Rights of Women under personal laws in India – A Comparative Doctrinal Analysis highlights the crucial role of Maintenance as a legal mechanism aimed at ensuring financial security, dignity, and social justice for women. Maintenance, which originated within family structure has evolved into a legally enforceable right through statutory provisions and judicial interpretation. This transformation reflects into growing recognition of women’s economic vulnerability and the need for legal safeguard in situations of martial breakdown, neglect, or abandonment. The analysis of various personal laws reveals that while all legal systems acknowledge the right of women to maintenance, the scope, duration and conditions governing such rights significantly. Under Hindu law, statutory provisions provide a relatively structured and comprehensive framework for maintenance, covering not only wives but also dependents such as children and parents. In contrast, Muslim law traditionally limited maintenance right post-divorce, although judicial interpretations have expanded the scope to ensure fairness and long-term financial protection. Similarly, Christian and Parsi laws provide for maintenance largely through court discretion, which can lead to variability in outcomes.

maintenance

"MAINTENANCE: RIGHTS OF WOMEN UNDER PERSONAL LAWS IN INDIA – A COMPARATIVE DOCTRINAL ANALYSIS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 5, page no.l747-l798, May-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRTHE2232.pdf

"MAINTENANCE: RIGHTS OF WOMEN UNDER PERSONAL LAWS IN INDIA – A COMPARATIVE DOCTRINAL ANALYSIS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 5, page no. ppl747-l798, May-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRTHE2232.pdf