Justice Rao Upholds Maintenance as a Right, Not Charity

The Andhra Pradesh High Court affirmed the essential nature of maintenance for estranged wives and children, emphasizing it as a legal right rather than a charity. The court upheld a previous order awarding monthly maintenance to Chinnam Kiranmayi Smily and her son, emphasizing maintenance as a crucial aspect of social justice.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has delivered a significant ruling, affirming that maintenance awarded to estranged spouses is not a charitable act but a legal right. Justice Y Lakshmana Rao upheld a family court's decision to grant Rs 7,500 per month to Chinnam Kiranmayi Smily and another Rs 5,000 to her minor son.

The court emphasized that maintenance jurisprudence serves as a testament to the judiciary's dedication to ensuring no wife, child, or dependent parent suffers in poverty due to neglect from those legally bound to support them. Justice Rao declared the right to maintenance as a continuous, dynamic entitlement, linked to familial or marital relationships and safeguarded by the Constitution.

The High Court dismissed Chinnan Kishore Kumar's appeal against the family court's ruling, where he claimed the amounts were excessive and unjust. Justice Rao highlighted that providing maintenance demonstrates sound judicial discretion and celebrates the principles of social justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)