Supreme Court Upholds Widowed Daughter-in-Law's Right to Maintenance from Father-in-Law's Property

• The Supreme Court ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law has a right to maintenance from her father-in-law's property, citing Manusmriti.
• The Court rejected the argument that maintenance rights depend on whether the husband died before or after the father-in-law, calling such discrimination irrational and unconstitutional.
• Under Section 22 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956, heirs of a deceased Hindu are obligated to maintain dependents, including a widowed daughter-in-law.
• The father-in-law (or his heirs) has a moral and legal responsibility to maintain the widowed daughter-in-law if she cannot support herself.
• This landmark decision strengthens the rights of widowed women, ensuring their dignity and security against poverty and social marginalization.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court affirms widowed daughter-in-law's right to maintenance from father-in-law's property, ensuring dignity.