Widowed Daughter-in-Law Can Seek Maintenance from Father-in-Law's Estate: SC

• The Supreme Court ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law can claim maintenance from her father-in-law's estate, even if her husband died after the father-in-law.
• The judgment came in Kanchana Rai vs Geeta Sharma & Ors., clarifying Section 21(vii) and Section 22 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956.
• The Court emphasized that the maintenance obligation is 'estate-centric' and travels with the property, requiring all legal heirs to contribute proportionately.
• The quantum of maintenance is determined by factors like the estate's net value, dependant's needs, and their own income, as per Section 23 of the Act.
• This ruling is declaratory, clarifying existing law, and applies to all ongoing and undecided cases, ensuring uniform application.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court affirms widowed daughter-in-law's right to maintenance from father-in-law's estate, clarifying existing law.