[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY] IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD SPECIAL CRIMINAL APPLICATION (FOR MAINTENANCE) NO[CASE NUMBER] 9318 of 2016 FOR APPROVAL AND SIGNATURE: HONOURABLE MR[CASE NUMBER]JUSTICE [ENTITY] 1 Whether Reporters of Local Papers may be allowed to see the judgment ? YES 2 To be referred to the Reporter or not ? YES 3 Whether their Lordships wish to see the fair copy of the judgment ? NO 4 Whether this case involves a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the [ACT] or NO any order made thereunder ? CIRCULATE THE JUDGMENT AMONG THE JUDGES OF THESUBORDINATEJUDICIARY [ENTITY] Applicant(s) Versus [ENTITY] & 1 Respondent(s) Appearance: MR SI [ENTITY] ADVOCATE WITH MRS [ENTITY], ADVOCATE for the Applicant(s) No[CASE NUMBER] 1 MR [ENTITY], ADVOCATE for the Respondent(s) No[CASE NUMBER] 1 MR[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY], ADVOCATE for the Respondent(s) No[CASE NUMBER] 1 MS [ENTITY], APP for the Respondent(s) No[CASE NUMBER] 2 NOTICE SERVED BY DS for the Respondent(s) No[CASE NUMBER] 1 CORAM: HONOURABLE MR[CASE NUMBER]JUSTICE [ENTITY] Date : 05/05/2017 Page 1 of 46 HC-NIC Page 1 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 [CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY] [ENTITY]
1 BythisapplicationunderArticle227oftheConstitutionofIndia, theapplicanthasprayedforthefollowingreliefs:
"15(a)ThisHonourableCourtmaybepleasedtoadmitandallowthe presentapplication[CASE NUMBER]
(b) This Honourable Court may be pleased to call for the record and proceedingsofCriminalMiscellaneousApplicationNo[CASE NUMBER]794/2009pending beforethe3rdAdditionalCivilJudgeJMFCMehsanaandthecriminalcase beforeGandhinagarCourt[CASE NUMBER]
(c)ThisHon'bleCourtmaybepleasedtoissueawritofCertiorariorany otherwritordirectionorordertodirect3rdAdditionalCivilJudge,JMFC MehsanatoconcludetrialandfinalhearingofCriminalMisc[CASE NUMBER][CASE NUMBER][CASE NUMBER]
(d)ThisHonourableCourtmaybepleasedtoissueawritofCertiorarior any other writ or direction or order to quash and set aside the order passedbythe2ndAdditionalSessionsJudge,MehsanapassedinCriminal [CASE NUMBER] dated 25[CASE NUMBER]06[CASE NUMBER]2016 and also the orderpassedbytheLd[CASE NUMBER][CASE NUMBER]
(e)Anyotherandfurtherreliefasmaybedeemedfitandproperinthe interestofjusticemaypleasedbegranted"
2 The facts giving rise to this application may be summarised as under:
HC-NIC Page 2 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 2[CASE NUMBER]1 TheapplicanthereingotmarriedtotherespondentNo[CASE NUMBER]1inthe year 1989[CASE NUMBER] In the wedlock, a son named "[ENTITY]" was born on 6th March1990[CASE NUMBER]Theapplicanthereinhasaphysicaldisabilityupto75%[CASE NUMBER]
Thematrimoniallifeofthepartiesgotdisturbedonaccountofserious disputes[CASE NUMBER] The disputes went to the extent of the wife filing a police complaint for the offence punishable under [SECTION], [SECTION], [SECTION], [SECTION] [ACT][CASE NUMBER] In the said prosecution, the applicant came be convictedandwassentencedtoundergosimpleimprisonmentofthree months[CASE NUMBER] The applicant preferred a [CASE NUMBER], which came to be allowed by the Sessions Court vide judgment and orderdated31stJanuary2002[CASE NUMBER]
2[CASE NUMBER]2 Italsoappearsfromthematerialsonrecordthattherespondent No[CASE NUMBER]1filedaHinduMarriagePetitionNo[CASE NUMBER]104of1999beforetheCivil Judge (S[CASE NUMBER]D[CASE NUMBER]), Mehsana, for a decree of judicial separation under the [ACT]ThesaidHinduMarriagePetition,ultimately,was withdrawn by the respondent No[CASE NUMBER]1 by filing a pursis dated 24th April 2004[CASE NUMBER] It was withdrawn stating that she was ready and willing to performherpartoftheobligations[CASE NUMBER]
2[CASE NUMBER]3 ItalsoappearsthattherespondentNo[CASE NUMBER]1wasreceivingRs[CASE NUMBER]2,300/ permonthtowardsmaintenanceunderthecivillawandRs[CASE NUMBER]500/per monthunderSection[SECTION]5oftheCodeofCriminalProcedure[CASE NUMBER]
2[CASE NUMBER]4 TherespondentNo[CASE NUMBER]1alsofiledaSpecialCivilSuitbeingNo[CASE NUMBER]402of 2000 before the Civil Judge (S[CASE NUMBER]D[CASE NUMBER]), Mehsana under the [ACT] and prayed for maintenance under [ACT]TheCourtconcernedawardedRs[CASE NUMBER]700/per HC-NIC Page 3 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 month towards the maintenance[CASE NUMBER] It was brought to the notice of the Court concerned by the applicant that the respondent No[CASE NUMBER]1 had institutedtheHinduMarriagePetition seekingjudicial separationand hadalsopreferredanapplicationformaintenanceunderSection[SECTION]5of theCr[ACT]Insuch circumstances, the respondent No[CASE NUMBER]1 withdrew the [CASE NUMBER][CASE NUMBER]
2[CASE NUMBER]5 Inthecircumstances,whichwasprevailing,theapplicantfileda Hindu Marriage Petition bearing No[CASE NUMBER]1[SECTION] of 2001 for dissolution of marriage[CASE NUMBER]TheHinduMarriagePetitionNo[CASE NUMBER]1[SECTION]of2001cametobefiled by the applicant herein under [SECTION] of the [ACT] substantiallyonthegroundofdesertion[CASE NUMBER]Thesaidpetitionfiledbythe applicanthereincametobeallowedbythe7th AdditionalSeniorCivil Judge,Mehsanavide thejudgmentanddecreedated29th April2006[CASE NUMBER] TherespondentNo[CASE NUMBER]1challengedthejudgmentanddecreebyfilingthe RegularCivilAppealNo[CASE NUMBER]37of2006beforetheAppellateCourt[CASE NUMBER]Thefirst appeal also came to be dismissed[CASE NUMBER] The respondent No[CASE NUMBER]1, thereafter, preferredaSecondAppealbeforethisCourtbeingNo[CASE NUMBER]166of2007[CASE NUMBER]This CourtdismissedtheSecondAppealvidethejudgmentandorderdated 18thFebruary2008[CASE NUMBER]
2[CASE NUMBER]6 It also appears from the materials on record that a bunch of criminal miscellaneous applications in connection with maintenance came to be disposed of by a Coordinate Bench of this Court vide a commonorderdated24thFebruary2010inthefollowingterms:
"Inmyview,interestofjusticewouldbeservedifthehusbandis directedtopaymaintenanceasfixedbythelearnedMagistratetillthedate oftheCriminalRevisionApplicationfiledbythewifeandthereafteratthe rateofRs[CASE NUMBER]7000/permonth[CASE NUMBER]
HC-NIC Page 4 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 Under the circumstances, all the proceedings are disposed in followingterms[CASE NUMBER]
1[CASE NUMBER] Criminal Revision Application No[CASE NUMBER][SECTION]0/09 filed by the husband againsttheorderofthelearnedMagistraterejectinghisapplication forcancellationofmaintenanceorderisdismissed[CASE NUMBER]Itis,however, clarified that during any period if the wife was receiving any alimony,interimorpermanentfromthecivilCourt,suchamount shall be adjusted towards herentitlement ofthe maintenance as fixedbythisorder[CASE NUMBER]Ruleisdischarged[CASE NUMBER]
2[CASE NUMBER] [CASE NUMBER] challengingtheorderpassedbythelearnedMagistratefixingthe revisedmaintenancetobepaidtothewifeattherateofRs[CASE NUMBER]5,000/ fromthedateofherapplicationisalsodismissed[CASE NUMBER]
3[CASE NUMBER] [CASE NUMBER] filed by the wife seekingfurtherrevisioninmaintenanceispartlyallowed[CASE NUMBER]Thewife shallreceiveRs[CASE NUMBER]5,000/asfixedbythelearnedMagistratefromthe date ofher application forsuchrevision tillfiling ofthe present CriminalRevisionApplicationi[CASE NUMBER]e[CASE NUMBER]26[CASE NUMBER]2[CASE NUMBER]2009[CASE NUMBER] Thereafter,[ENTITY] receive monthly maintenance of Rs[CASE NUMBER]7,000/ per month from her husband[CASE NUMBER]
4[CASE NUMBER] In view of the aforesaid orders, [CASE NUMBER] does not survive and the same isdisposed of accordingly[CASE NUMBER]
Ontheconditionthatthehusbandclearstheentirearrearsasper thisorderlatestby30thJune2010inequalmonthlyinstallmentsstarting from1stMarch2010,thereshallnotbeanycoerciverecovery[CASE NUMBER]"
2[CASE NUMBER]7 Itappears that the aforesaidorder was carriedtothe Supreme CourtbyfilingtheSpecialLeavetoAppeals(Criminal)Nos[CASE NUMBER]2970-2973 of2010[CASE NUMBER]Allthespecialleavepetitionscametobedismissedvideorder dated23rdJuly2010inthefollowingterms:
"Heardlearnedcounselfortheparties[CASE NUMBER]
TheSpecialLeavePetitionsaredismissed[CASE NUMBER]
However,thepetitionerisgrantedthreemonthstimetopaythearrears[CASE NUMBER]
HC-NIC Page 5 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 Thequestionoflawisleftopen[CASE NUMBER]"
2[CASE NUMBER]8 Itappearsthattheapplicanthereinfiledanapplicationbeingthe Criminal Miscellaneous Application No[CASE NUMBER]794 of 2009 under [SECTION] of the [ACT] read with [SECTION] of the [ACT] in the CourtofthelearnedChiefJudicialMagistrate,Mehsanaandprayedthat theorderofmaintenancebecancelled,astheapplicanthasbeenableto obtain a decree of divorce on the ground of desertion[CASE NUMBER] The said applicationcametoberejectedbythelearned3rdAdditionalCivilJudge andJ[CASE NUMBER]M[CASE NUMBER]F[CASE NUMBER]C[CASE NUMBER],Mehsanavidetheorderdated29thNovember2010[CASE NUMBER]
2[CASE NUMBER]9 Being dissatisfied, the applicant herein preferred the [CASE NUMBER][CASE NUMBER] The Revisional Court, vide the judgment and order dated 25th June 2016,rejectedtherevisionapplication[CASE NUMBER]
3 BeingdissatisfiedwiththetwoorderspassedbytheCourts below, the applicant has come up with this application invoking the supervisory jurisdiction of this Court under [SECTION] of the [ACT]
4 Thepicturethatemergesfromthematerialsonrecordisthatthe applicantfiledaHinduMarriagePetitionforadecreeofdivorceonthe groundthathiswifei[CASE NUMBER]e[CASE NUMBER]therespondentNo[CASE NUMBER]1hadfornogoodreason desertedhim,andthereby,failedtodischargeherpartofthemarital obligations[CASE NUMBER] The decree of dissolution of the marriage came to be affirmedrightuptothisCourt[CASE NUMBER]Theapplicantsaysthatheshouldnowbe relievedofhisliabilitytopaythemaintenanceofRs[CASE NUMBER]7,500/permonth tohisformerwife[CASE NUMBER]
HC-NIC Page 6 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 5 Mr[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY], the learned senior counsel appearing for the applicant submitted that the respondent - wife is not entitled to maintenanceinviewofthefactthatshehaddesertedhermatrimonial homeandconsideringthesame,adecreeofdivorcewasgrantedbythe competent Court under [SECTION] [ACT] which cametobeaffirmedrightuptothisCourtintheSecondAppealfiledby thewife[CASE NUMBER]
6 ItissubmittedthatSection[SECTION]5(4)ofCr[ACT] to [SECTION] of the [ACT] whereby the wife is not entitled to receiveallowanceforhermaintenance[CASE NUMBER]Thesaidprovisionisapplicable tobothwifeanddivorcedwifeasperthe[SECTION]to[SECTION]oftheCr[ACT],inthefollowingcircumstances,thewife isnotentitledtoclaimmaintenance:
(i)Shelivesinadultery,or
(ii) Without any sufficient reason she refuses to live with her husband,or
(iii)Iftheyarelivingseparatelybymutualconsent[CASE NUMBER]
As the respondent - wife without any sufficient reason had deserted her matrimonial home, she is not entitled to claim maintenance[CASE NUMBER]
7 Itissubmittedthatiftherespondent-wifelivesanadulterous life,sheisnotentitledfortheallowanceofthe maintenanceandthe Legislaturehasusedtheconjunction"or"foralltheeventualitiesforthe disentitlementinSection[SECTION]5(4)ofthe[ACT]Iftherespondent-wife deserts her husband without any sufficient cause, then the HC-NIC Page 7 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 disentitlement of maintenance shall apply with equal force to the aforesaidclauseaswell[CASE NUMBER]
8 It is submitted that in the decision of the Supreme Court in [ENTITY]Singhvs[CASE NUMBER]Smt[CASE NUMBER]Ramendriandothersreportedin(2000)3SCC 180, the attention of their Lordships was not drawn to the aforesaid provision[CASE NUMBER]
9 The Supreme Court, while rendering the judgment in Manoj Kumarvs[CASE NUMBER]Champadevi[S[CASE NUMBER]L[CASE NUMBER]P[CASE NUMBER](Criminal)No[CASE NUMBER]10[SECTION]7of2015],wherein theHon'bleCourtreliedupon[ENTITY]Singh'scase(supra),onceagain overlookedtherelevantprovisionsmentionedabove[CASE NUMBER]Hence,thedictum [ENTITY]thatevenafterdivorcegranted infavourofthehusbandonthegroundofdesertion,thewifeisstill entitled for the allowance of maintenance, which has been further reaffirmedin ManojKumar'scase, isnotapplicabletothefactsofthe presentcase[CASE NUMBER]
10 Mr[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY], the learned senior counsel, in support of his submissions,hasplacedrelianceonthefollowingdecisions:
(1) The decision of the Bombay High Court in the case of [PRECEDENT] [CriminalApplicationNo[CASE NUMBER]3237of1976decidedon25th August1977][CASE NUMBER]
(2)ThedecisionoftheBombayHighCourtinthecaseof Smt[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY] alliedmattersdecidedon20thJanuary2009] HC-NIC Page 8 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 (3) The decision of the Bombay High Court in the case of [PRECEDENT]
11 Insuchcircumstancesreferredtoabove,Mr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY] there being merit in this application, the same be allowed and the impugned orders be quashed and it be further declared that the applicantis not liable topay maintenance tohis formerwife i[CASE NUMBER]e[CASE NUMBER] the respondentNo[CASE NUMBER]1[CASE NUMBER]
[SECTION] Ontheotherhand,thisapplicationhasbeenvehementlyopposed byMr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY],thelearnedcounselappearingfortherespondent No[CASE NUMBER]1[CASE NUMBER]Mr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY]submittedthatawifeagainstwhomadecreefordivorce has been passed on account of her deserting the husband can claim maintenanceallowanceunderSection[SECTION]5ofthe[ACT],andthepleaof desertionbythewifecannotbetreatedtobeaneffectivepleainsupport of the husband's refusal to pay her the maintenance allowance[CASE NUMBER] AccordingtoMr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY],theissueisnolonger resintegra inviewofthe decisionoftheSupremeCourtinthecaseof [ENTITY]Singhvs[CASE NUMBER]Smt[CASE NUMBER] Ramendri[2000Cri[CASE NUMBER]L[CASE NUMBER]J[CASE NUMBER]1498][CASE NUMBER] Mr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY]invitedmyattentiontoone recent order passed by the Supreme Court in the case of Manoj vs[CASE NUMBER] ChampaDevi[SpecialLeavetoAppeal(Criminal)No[CASE NUMBER]10[SECTION]7of2015] decidedon6thApril2017,whereintheSupremeCourt,relyinguponthe decision in the case of [ENTITY]), took the view that a husband is liable to pay maintenance to his former wife although a decreeofdivorcemighthavebeenpassedattheinstanceofthehusband onthegroundofthewifedesertingthehusband[CASE NUMBER]
[SECTION] AccordingtoMr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY],noerror,nottospeakofanyerroroflaw couldbesaidtohavebeencommittedbytheCourtsbelowinpassingthe HC-NIC Page 9 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 impugned orders[CASE NUMBER] No interference is warranted in exercise of the supervisory jurisdiction of this Court under [SECTION] of the [ACT][CASE NUMBER] Mr[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY], in support of his submissions, placed relianceonthefollowingdecisions:
(1)Smt[CASE NUMBER][PRECEDENT] ([PRECEDENT] ([PRECEDENT] (4) [PRECEDENT] [Criminal AppealNo[CASE NUMBER]836of1995(arisingoutofS[CASE NUMBER]L[CASE NUMBER]P[CASE NUMBER](Cri[CASE NUMBER])No[CASE NUMBER]4233of 1991) (5) [PRECEDENT] ([PRECEDENT] ([PRECEDENT] (8)SaygoBaivs[CASE NUMBER]ChueeruBajrangi[(2010)[SECTION]SCC762] (9)ChetankumarNaikvs[CASE NUMBER]GeetabenNaik[AIR20[SECTION]Guj68] (10)ShaminBanovs[CASE NUMBER]AsrafKhan[(2014)[SECTION]SCC636]
14 Insuchcircumstancesreferredtoabove,Mr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY] beingnomeritinthisapplication,thesameberejected[CASE NUMBER]
15 Ms[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY], the learned Additional Public Prosecutor HC-NIC Page 10 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 appearingfortheStatesubmittedthattheissueasregardstheliabilityof thehusbandtopaymaintenanceeventohisformerwifeaslongassheis notlivinganadulterouslife,iswellsettled[CASE NUMBER]Ms[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY],thelearned A[CASE NUMBER]P[CASE NUMBER]P[CASE NUMBER],hasadoptedthesubmissionscanvassedbyMr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY],thelearned counselappearingfortherespondentNo[CASE NUMBER]1 16 Havingheardthelearnedcounselappearingforthepartiesand havingconsideredthematerialsonrecord,thefollowingquestionsfall formyconsideration:
(i) Is the divorced wife entitled to claim maintenance under [SECTION] of the [ACT], despitethefactthatadecreeofdivorcewaspassedbythe competent Court at the instance of the husband on the ground of the wife deserting the husband without any justifiablereason?
(ii) Can the statutory compassion in favour of the woman in distressinadissolvedmarriageandthelegislativeanxiety and the concern to prevent vagrancy against the woman persuadetheCourtstobringsuchawomaninadissolved marriagewithinthesweepofthedefinitionofdeemedwife inExplanation(b)toSection[SECTION]5ofthe[ACT]
(iii) Whethertheterm"wife"inSection[SECTION]5(4)ofthe[ACT]
includesadivorcedwife?
(iv) Can the changing norms in a society evidenced by the subsequent statutory instruments persuade the Courts to expandtheentrenchedconceptsinsociety?
HC-NIC Page 11 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 17 Section[SECTION]5oftheCriminalProcedureCode,1973(ActIof1974), whichisinessencenotpunitivebutpreventiveratherthanremedial,has beenenactedwiththeobjectofenablingthedesertedwives,helpless anddesertedchildrenanddestituteparents,tosecurethemuchneeded relief,soastopreventvagrancy[CASE NUMBER]Theschemeofthesection,asfaras wivesareconcernedisselfcontainedandrestsontwoprimaryconcepts, viz[CASE NUMBER],(I)thatthehusbandmustmaintainhiswife,and(2)thatthewife mustbevirtuousandlivewithherhusband[CASE NUMBER]Thissectionisnotintended to be used by a wife whose marital tie is in subsistence, to claim maintenanceonthegroundsotherthanneglectorrefusaltomaintain[CASE NUMBER] The circumstances which disentitle a wife to obtain an order for maintenance, as contemplated under [SECTION], notwithstandingtheexistenceofthefoundationandtheconditionsfor theexerciseofjurisdiction,are(1)herlivinginadultery,(2)herrefusal tolivewithherhusbandwithoutsufficientcause,and(3)thefactthat thehusbandandwifehavebeenlivingseparatelybymutualconsent[CASE NUMBER] Subsequenttothepassingofanorderawardingmaintenanceinfavour ofthewife,asperSubsection(5)ofSection[SECTION]5onproofofanyoneof thecircumstancesmentionedsupra,theMagistrateshallcanceltheorder passedinherfavour[CASE NUMBER]Thus,therightofawifewhosemaritaltiehasnot beenuntied,toclaimmaintenancefromherhusbandissubjecttothe conditionthatsheisunabletomaintainherselfandalsosubjecttothe conditionsenumeratedunderSubsections(4)and(5)[CASE NUMBER]Itistobenoted that [SECTION] to Subsection (1) of [SECTION] of the new CriminalProcedureCode,withregardtotherighttoclaimmaintenance, states that the expression 'wife' includes a woman who has been divorcedbyorhasobtainedadivorcefrom,herhusband,andhasnot remarried[CASE NUMBER]TherewasnosuchExplanationintheoldCode[CASE NUMBER]Theeffectof theintroductionofthisExplanationisthateven[ENTITY] HC-NIC Page [SECTION] of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 divorced from her husband or has obtained a divorce from him, is entitledtomaintenancefromhimtillshegetsremarried,providedsheis not living in adultery till such time[CASE NUMBER] Of course, the other conditions enumeratedunderSubsections(4)and(5)arenotapplicabletosucha divorcedwoman[CASE NUMBER]
18 Section[SECTION]5oftheCodeof1973hastosomeextentalteredthe scheme of maintenance envisaged in the corresponding [SECTION][CASE NUMBER] Underthe repealedCode itisonlythe'wife'asthe termis generally understoodthefemalespouseinasubsistingmarriagethatcouldseek maintenance from the husband[CASE NUMBER] But [SECTION] of the newCode obligesapersonwhorefusesorneglectstomaintainawomanwhowas hiswifeandwhohadbeendivorcedtomaintainherifsheisunableto maintainherself[CASE NUMBER]Suchobligationistolastuntilsheremarries[CASE NUMBER]Thescope ofthetermwifeisenlargedtotakeinthecaseofsuchawomanandthis isbyExplanation(b)toSection[SECTION]5(1)[CASE NUMBER]Explanation(b)tothatsub sectionreadsthus:
"ExplanationForthepurposesofthisChapter,
(b) "wife" includes a woman who has been divorced by, has or obtainedadivorcefrom,herhusbandandhasnotremarried[CASE NUMBER]"
19 TheeffectoftheExplanationisevidentlytoreadthetermwifein [SECTION] of the Code as meaning not only the wife as generally understoodbutalso[ENTITY]divorcedbutwhohasnot remarried[CASE NUMBER] It may be noticed that [SECTION] deals with the obligationofa'person'andnotofahusbandorofafatherorofason[CASE NUMBER] ThescopeoftheExplanationisnottocreateajuralrelationshipbetween HC-NIC Page [SECTION] of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 the divorced woman and the erstwhile husband[CASE NUMBER] No new obligation outside the scope of the Code is sought to be imposedeither on the divorcedwomanorhererstwhilehusbandbyreasonoftheExplanation[CASE NUMBER] TheobjectoftheExplanationisonlytoenablesuchadivorcedwoman toclaimmaintenancefromhererstwhilehusbanduntilherremarriage[CASE NUMBER] TheveryobjectoftheprovisioninSection[SECTION]5oftheCodeistoprovide foraminimumobligationonthepartofapersontomaintainhiswife, children, parents and his divorced wife who is not remarried under certaincircumstances[CASE NUMBER]Inregardtosomeofhisdependantstheremaybe asimilarobligationunderthecivillaw,butinawardingmaintenancein thecivilproceedingstheconsiderationsotherthanthosewhicharisein thematterofapetitionunderSection[SECTION]5oftheCodemayarise[CASE NUMBER]The quantum of maintenance may also differ in such proceedings[CASE NUMBER] The provisioninSection[SECTION]5isintendedasameasuretopreventvagrancy andtheresponsibilityiscastuponahusbandorafatherofasonasthe casemaybetogivemaintenancetothewifeortothechildrenortothe parents[CASE NUMBER] The Parliament, in its wisdom, has thought fit to include a woman who has been divorced by her husband as also one of those entitledtothebenefitsof Section[SECTION]5(1),suchbenefittosubsistuntil herremarriage[CASE NUMBER]Itisnotbecauseshehasanyclaimbasedonherstatus asadivorcedwife[CASE NUMBER]Sheisundernoobligationtomakeanyreturntoher erstwhile husband for the maintenance provided to her by [SECTION] oftheCode[CASE NUMBER]TheExplanationdoesnotresultincastingonher any marital obligation[CASE NUMBER] Naturally so since on the dissolution of the marriagethemaritaltieisbroken[CASE NUMBER]ItisinthisbackgroundthatImay havetoconsiderthescopeofSection[SECTION]5(4)andinthatcontextImay refertoSubsection(5)of Section[SECTION]5also[CASE NUMBER]Thesesubsectionsrunas follows:
"[SECTION]5(1)
HC-NIC Page 14 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 (2)
(4)Nowifeshallbeentitledtoreceiveanallowancefromherhusband under this section if she is living in adultery, or if, without any sufficientreason,sherefusestolivewithherhusband,oriftheyare livingseparatelybymutualconsent[CASE NUMBER]
(5)Onproofthatanywifeinwhosefavouranorderhasbeenmade under this section is living in adultery, or that without sufficient reasonsherefusestolivewithherhusband,orthattheyareliving separatelybymutualconsent,theMagistrateshallcanceltheorder[CASE NUMBER]"
20 Subsection(4)ofSection[SECTION]5providesforcaseswhereawifeis to be denied maintenance on certain grounds notwithstanding the provisionsinSection[SECTION]5(1)[CASE NUMBER]WhereanorderunderSection[SECTION]5(1)has been passed subsequent circumstances may disentitle the wife to continuetoreceivesuchmaintenance[CASE NUMBER]Thosearecircumstancesakinto the circumstances contemplated under [SECTION][CASE NUMBER] Provision is madetomeetthissituationinSection[SECTION]5(5)[CASE NUMBER]Thecircumstanceswhich maydisentitleawifetoreceivemaintenance(1)wifelivinginadultery (2)thewifewithoutsufficientreasons,refusestolivewithherhusband and(3)thespousesarelivingseparatelybymutualconsent[CASE NUMBER]
21 NowIwillcometothequestionwhetherIshouldread [SECTION][CASE NUMBER]ItistruethattheExplanationenlargesthescopeof thetermwifeforthepurposeofChapterIX[CASE NUMBER]Butthat,asIhaveindicated earlier,doesnotcreateanyjuralrelationshipbetweenadivorcedwoman andhererstwhilehusband[CASE NUMBER]EvidentlytheobjectoftheExplanationisto obviaterepeatedreferencetothewifeaswellasthewifewhohasbeen divorcedinappropriateplacesintherelevantsections[CASE NUMBER]Theoperationof theExplanationisonlytoreadthetermwifeinChapterIX,asreferring HC-NIC Page 15 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 towifeaswellasadivorcedwomanwhohasnotremarried,ifsuch, referencewouldnotbeinappropriate,Thoughadivorcedwomanmay beunderstoodbythetermwifebyreasonoftheExplanationtheperson whowasherhusbandpriortosuchdivorcewillnotbecomprisedwithin the term 'husband'[CASE NUMBER] [SECTION] refers to the right of the wife to receive an allowance from her husband[CASE NUMBER] If the definition has not the effectoftreatingthepersonwhoisreally:notahusbandasthehusband, then [SECTION] woman[CASE NUMBER]ThereareotherindicationsinSubsection(4)whichmakethe subsectioninapplicabletoadivorcedwoman[CASE NUMBER]Awomanwhosemarital tiedoesnotsubsistcannotbeguiltyofadulterymuchlesscanshebe saidtobelivinginadultery[CASE NUMBER]Shemayliveapromiscuouslife[CASE NUMBER]Butthat would not render her guilty of adultery, for, adultery is a term that denotes an offence against the institution of marriage[CASE NUMBER] The inclusive definitionoftheterm'wife'willnotbesufficienttoreadpromiscuousor immorallivingofadivorcedwomanasofonelivinginadultery[CASE NUMBER]Thereis noobligationonthepartofadivorcedwomantolivewithhererstwhile husband[CASE NUMBER]Infact,onewouldnotexpectsuchawomantodoso[CASE NUMBER]Evenif sheiswillinghererstwhilehusbandmaynotbewillingtoobligeher[CASE NUMBER] The provisions of the Code do not and are not intended to cast an obligation on him to permit his divorced wife to live with him[CASE NUMBER] [SECTION] refusal tolive with the husband without sufficient reason as sufficient justification for refusing maintenance[CASE NUMBER]Thispresupposesarightandanobligationtolivewiththe husband[CASE NUMBER]Sucharightandanobligationcannotbeassumedinthecase ofdivorcedwomannorcanacorrespondingobligationintheerstwhile husband to keep the woman in his house be assumed[CASE NUMBER] If so such a groundavailableforrefusingallowancecontemplatedinSection[SECTION]5(4) becomesinapplicabletothecaseofadivorcedwoman[CASE NUMBER] Soisthecase withtheprovisionthatifthehusbandandwifearelivingseparatelyby HC-NIC Page 16 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 mutualconsentthewifeshallnotbeentitledtoreceivetheallowance[CASE NUMBER] Noquestionofmutualconsentwouldariseinthecaseofpartiestoa marriagewhichisdissolved[CASE NUMBER]Thatclauseisalsoevidentlyinapplicableto thecaseofadivorcedwoman[CASE NUMBER] ItisagreedthatifIconstruetheterm wifein Section[SECTION]5(4)asreferringtoadivorcedwomanalsothesame constructionmustapplytoSection[SECTION]5(5)[CASE NUMBER]Thatwouldyieldanomalous results[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY] who has not remarried[CASE NUMBER] It would mean that provision is made for cancellingtheorderformaintenanceinthecaseofsuchawomaninthat subsection[CASE NUMBER]Butthereisaspecificprovisiondealingwiththatmatterand that is [SECTION] of the Code[CASE NUMBER] That section deals with the circumstances under which an order for maintenance obtained by a divorcedwomancouldbecancelled[CASE NUMBER]Thatsubsectiongivesanindication that [SECTION] coversonlythe case ofa female spouseunder a subsistingmarriage[CASE NUMBER]Ifthatbesothatshouldbethecasewith[SECTION] also[CASE NUMBER] The way I have construed [SECTION] will only promotetheobjectoftheprovisionsin Section[SECTION]5[CASE NUMBER]Thescopeofthe obligation of a person to maintain is extended in the new Code to embracecaseswhichwerenotwithinitsscopeundertherepealedCode[CASE NUMBER] Oneoftheclassesofpersonsbroughtinadditionallywithinthescopeof the section is women who have been divorced[CASE NUMBER] While the legislature expected the erstwhile husbands to maintain them if the other conditionsofthesectionapplied,thelegislaturecouldnothaveexpected themtoperformanymaritalobligationforthatreasonortokeepthe vowofchastityorloyaltytotheirerstwhilehusbands[CASE NUMBER]Thatwouldbe unreasonableandunrelatedtotheobjectofprovidingformaintenance[CASE NUMBER]
22 Intheaforesaidcontext,thisistherightstageformetoreferand rely upon the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of [ENTITY] HC-NIC Page 17 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 Singh (supra)[CASE NUMBER] In [ENTITY] (supra), the principal contention raisedonbehalfofthepetitionerwasthatadecreefordivorcehaving beenpassedunder[SECTION]ontheground ofdesertionbythehusband,anorderformaintenancecouldnothave beenpassedinfavouroftherespondentonaccountofSubsection(4)of Section[SECTION]5ofthe[ACT]TheSupremeCourtnegativedsuchcontention andheldasunder:
"[SECTION]: "(4) No wife shall be entitled to receive an allowance from her husbandunderthissectionifsheislivinginadultery,orif,without any sufficient reason, sherefuses tolive withherhusband, orif theyarelivingseparatelybymutualconsent[CASE NUMBER]"
6[CASE NUMBER] Under this provision, a wife is not entitled to any Maintenance Allowance from her husband if she is living in adultery or if she has refusedtolivewithherhusbandwithoutanysufficientreasonorifthey are living separately by mutual consent[CASE NUMBER] Thus, all the circumstances contemplated bysubsection [SECTION][ACT] existence of matrimonial relations[CASE NUMBER] The provision would be applicable wherethemarriagebetweenthepartiessubsistsandnotwhereithascome toanend[CASE NUMBER]Takingthethreecircumstancesindividually,itwillbenoticed thatthefirstcircumstance onaccountofwhichawifeisnotentitledto claimMaintenance Allowance fromherhusband isthatsheisliving in adultery[CASE NUMBER]Now,adulteryisthesexualintercourseoftwopersons,eitherof whomismarriedtoathirdperson[CASE NUMBER]Thisclearlysupposesthesubsistenceof marriagebetweenthehusbandandwifeandifduringthesubsistenceof marriage, the wife lives in adultery, she cannot claim Maintenance AllowanceunderSection[SECTION]5oftheCodeofCriminalProcedure[CASE NUMBER]
7[CASE NUMBER]ThesecondgroundonwhichshewouldnotbeentitledtoMaintenance Allowanceisthegroundofherrefusaltolivewithherhusbandwithout any sufficient reason[CASE NUMBER] This also presupposes the subsistence of marital relationsbetweentheparties[CASE NUMBER]Ifthemarriagesubsists,thewifeisundera legal and moral obligation to live with her husband and to fulfil the maritalobligations[CASE NUMBER]Shecannot,withoutanysufficientreason,refuseto live with her husband[CASE NUMBER] "Sufficient reasons" have been interpreted differently by the High Courts having regard to the facts of individual cases[CASE NUMBER]Wearenotrequiredtogointothatquestioninthepresentcaseas admittedlythemarriagebetweenthepartiescametoanendonaccountof adecreefordivorcehavingbeenpassedbytheFamilyCourt[CASE NUMBER]Existenceof sufficient cause onthe basisofwhich the respondent could legitimately HC-NIC Page 18 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 refusetolivewiththepetitionerisnotrelevantforthepresentcase[CASE NUMBER]Inthis situation,theonlyquestionwhichsurvivesforconsiderationiswhethera wifeagainstwhomadecreefordivorcehasbeenpassedonaccountofher deserting the husband can claim Maintenance Allowance under [SECTION][ACT] effective plea in support of the husband's refusal to pay her the MaintenanceAllowance[CASE NUMBER]
8[CASE NUMBER] Admittedly,intheinstantcase,therespondentisadivorcedwife[CASE NUMBER]The marriage tiesbetween thepartiesdonotsubsist[CASE NUMBER]Thedecree fordivorce was passed on 15th of July, 1995 and since then, she is under no obligation to live with the petitioner[CASE NUMBER] But though the marital relations cametoanendbythedivorcegrantedbytheFamilyCourtunder[SECTION]HinduMarriageAct,therespondentcontinuestobe"wife"within themeaningofSection[SECTION]5,[ACT]onaccountofExplanation(b)tosub section(1)whichprovidesasunder: "Explanation[CASE NUMBER]ForthepurposesofthisChapter
(b) "wife" includes woman who has been divorced by, or has obtainedadivorcefromherhusbandandhasnotremarried[CASE NUMBER]"
9[CASE NUMBER]OnaccountoftheExplanationquotedabove,[ENTITY] divorced by her husband on account of a decree passed by the Family Courtunder[ACT]continuestoenjoythestatusofa wifeforthelimitedpurposeofclaimingMaintenanceAllowancefromher exhusband[CASE NUMBER] This Court in Ramesh Chander [ENTITY] v[CASE NUMBER] Mrs[CASE NUMBER] Veena [ENTITY],AIR1978SC1807:(1979CriLJ3),observedasunder: "9[CASE NUMBER] This provision is a measure of social justice and specially enacted to protect women and children and falls within the constitutional sweep of [SECTION] reinforced by [SECTION][CASE NUMBER] We havenodoubtthatsectionsofstatutescallingforconstructionby Courts are not petrified print but vibrant words with social functions to fulfil[CASE NUMBER] The brooding presence of the constitutional empathy for the weaker sections like women and children must informinterpretationifithastohavesocialrelevance[CASE NUMBER]Soviewedit ispossibletobeselectiveinpickingoutthatinterpretationoutof two alternatives which advances the cause the cause of the derelicts[CASE NUMBER]"
10[CASE NUMBER]ClaimformaintenanceunderthefirstpartofSection[SECTION]5,[ACT]is HC-NIC Page 19 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 based on the subsistence ofmarriage while claim for maintenance ofa divorcedwifeisbasedonthefoundationprovidedbyExplanation(b)to subsection(1)ofSection[SECTION]5,Cr[ACT] maintain herself and if she has not remarried, she will be entitled to Maintenance Allowance[CASE NUMBER] The Calcutta High Court had an occasion to consideranidenticalsituationwherethehusbandhadobtaineddivorceon thegroundofdesertionbywifebutshewasheldentitledtoMaintenance AllowanceasadivorcedwifeunderSection[SECTION]5,[ACT]andthefactthat shehaddesertedherhusbandandonthatbasisadecreefordivorcewas passedagainstherwasnottreatedasabartoherclaimformaintenance asadivorcedwife[CASE NUMBER](See: SukumarDhibarv[CASE NUMBER]Smt[CASE NUMBER]AnjaliDasi,1983 CriLJ36(Cal [CASE NUMBER]TheAllahabadHighCourtalso,intheinstantcase,has taken asimilar view[CASE NUMBER] We approve these decisions as they represent the correctlegalposition[CASE NUMBER]
11[CASE NUMBER]Learnedcounselforthepetitionerthensubmittedthatonceadecree for divorce was passed against the respondent and marital relations between thepetitioner and the respondent came toanend, themutual rights,dutiesandobligationsshouldalsocometoanend[CASE NUMBER]Hepleadedthat inthissituation, the obligation ofthe petitioner tomaintain awoman withwhomallrelations cametoanendshouldalsobetreatedtohave cometoanend[CASE NUMBER]Thisplea,aswehavealreadyindicatedabove,cannotbe acceptedasawomanhastwodistinctrightsformaintenance[CASE NUMBER] Asawife, sheisentitledtomaintenanceunlessshesuffersfromanyofthedisabilities indicatedinSection[SECTION]5(4)[CASE NUMBER] Inanothercapacity,namely,asadivorced woman, she isagain entitled toclaim maintenance from the person of whomshewasoncethewife[CASE NUMBER]Awomanafterdivorcebecomesadestitute[CASE NUMBER]If she cannot maintain herself or remains unmarried, the man who was, once,herhusbandcontinuestobeunderastatutorydutyandobligation toprovidemaintenancetoher[CASE NUMBER]
[SECTION][CASE NUMBER] Learned counsel for the petitioner then contended that the maintenance has been allowed to the respondent from the date of the application[CASE NUMBER]TheapplicationunderSection[SECTION]5,Cr[ACT] respondentduringthependencyofthecivilsuitfordivorceunder[SECTION] of the [ACT][CASE NUMBER] It iscontended that since the decree of divorcewaspassedonthegroundofdesertionbyrespondent,shewould notbeentitledtoMaintenanceforanyperiodpriortothepassingofthe decreeunder[SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Tothatextent,learned counselappearstobecorrect[CASE NUMBER]Butforthatshortperiod,wewouldnotbe inclinedtointerfere[CASE NUMBER]"
23 AthreeJudgeBenchoftheSupremeCourtinthecaseof [ENTITY] HC-NIC Page 20 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 observedasunder:
"1[CASE NUMBER]Wehaveheardlearnedcounselfortherivalpartiesatsomelength[CASE NUMBER]
2[CASE NUMBER] Having perused the impugned order, we are satisfied, that the same is based on the two decisions rendered by this Court, firstly, [PRECEDENT] [ENTITY] vs[CASE NUMBER]Ramendri (Smt) and others, 2000(3) SCC952[CASE NUMBER]
[SECTION] ofthe [ACT], including the explanation under subsection (1) thereof, has been consistently interpreted by this Court, for the lasttwo decades[CASE NUMBER] The aforesaid consistent view hasbeen followedbytheHighCourtwhilepassingtheimpugnedorder[CASE NUMBER]
3[CASE NUMBER] Forthereasonsrecordedhereinabove,wefindnojustificationwhatsoever, tointerferewiththeimpugnedorder,inexerciseofourjurisdictionunder Article[SECTION]6oftheConstitution[CASE NUMBER]
4[CASE NUMBER] Thespecialleavepetitionisaccordinglydismissed[CASE NUMBER]"
24 In Vanamala (supra), the Supreme Court answering the very sameissue,whichIamcalledupontoanswer,heldasunder;
"Section[SECTION]5oftheCodemakesprovisionforthegrantofmaintenanceto wives,childrenandparents[CASE NUMBER]Subsection(1)ofSection[SECTION]5interaliasays thatifanypersonhavingsufficientmeansneglectsorrefusestomaintain hiswifeunabletomaintainherself,aMagistrateofthefirstclassmay, upon proof of such neglect or refusal, order such person to make a monthlyallowanceforthemaintenanceofhiswifenotexceedingRs[CASE NUMBER]500/ inthewhole,assuchmagistratethinksfit,andtopaythesametosuch personastheMagistratemayfromtimetotimedirect[CASE NUMBER]Clause(b)ofthe explanation to the subsection defines the expression 'wife' to include a woman whohasbeendivorced by,orhasobtained adivorce from, her husbandandhasnotremarried[CASE NUMBER]Intheinstantcaseitisnotcontendedby therespondentthattheappellanthasremarriedafterthedecreeofdivorce wasobtainedunderSection[SECTION]Bofthe[ACT]Itisalsonot indisputethattheappellantwasthelegallyweddedwifeoftherespondent priortothepassingofthedecree ofdivorce[CASE NUMBER] Byvirtue ofthedefinition referredtoaboveshewould,therefore,beentitledtomaintenance ifshe couldshowthattherespondenthasneglectedorrefusedtomaintainher[CASE NUMBER] Counselfortherespondent,however,invited ourattentiontosubsection [SECTION] (4)Nowifeshallbeentitledtoreceiveanallowancefromher husbandunderthisSectionifsheislivinginadultery,orif, HC-NIC Page 21 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 without any sufficient reason, she refuses to live with her husband,oriftheyarelivingseparatelybymutualconsent[CASE NUMBER]
OnaplainreadingofthisSectionitseemsfairlyclearthattheexpression 'wife' in the said subsection does not have the extended meaning of including[ENTITY]divorced[CASE NUMBER]Thisisfortheobviousreason thatunlessthereisarelationshipofhusbandandwifetherecanbeno question of a divorcee woman living in adultery or without sufficient reason refusing to live with her husband[CASE NUMBER] After divorce where is the occasionforthewomentolivewithherhusband?Similarlytherewouldbe noquestionofthehusbandandwifelivingseparatelybymutualconsent becauseafterdivorcethereisnoneedforconsenttoliveseparately[CASE NUMBER]Inthe context, therefore, [SECTION] does notapplytothe caseof[ENTITY]divorcedorwhohasobtainedadecreefor divorce[CASE NUMBER]Inourview,therefore,thiscontentionisnotwellfounded[CASE NUMBER]"
25 InthecaseofShamimaFarooquivs[CASE NUMBER]ShahidKhan[AIR2015SC [ENTITY],J[CASE NUMBER]),incontextwiththeapplicabilityofSection[SECTION]5 ofthe[ACT]toaMuslimwomanandtheveryobjectofSection[SECTION]5of the[ACT]madecertainveryimportantobservations,whichImayquote asunder:
"Whencenturiesoldobstructionsareremoved,ageoldshacklesareeither burnt or lost their force, the chains get rusted, and the human endowmentsandvirtuesarenotindifferentlytreatedandemphasisislaid on"freeidentity"andnoton"annexedidentity",andthewomenoftoday can gracefully and boldly asserttheir legal rights and refuse tobe tied downtotheobscurantconservatism,andfurtherdeterminedtoostracize the"principleofcommodity",andthe"bartersystem"todevoutlyengage themselves inlearning, criticizing and professing certain principles with committed sensibility and participating in all pertinent and concerned issues,thereisnowarrantorjustificationorneedtopavetheinnovative multiavenues whichthe lawdoesnotcountenance orgive itsstamp of approval[CASE NUMBER]Chivalry,aperversesenseofhumanegotism,andclutchingof feudalmegalomaniacideasorforthatmatter,anykindofcondescending attitudehavenoroom[CASE NUMBER]Theyareboundtobesenttotheancientwoods, and in the new horizon people should proclaim their own ideas and authority[CASE NUMBER]Theyshouldbeabletosaythattheyarethepersonsofmodern ageandtheyhavetheideasoftoday's"Bharat"[CASE NUMBER]Anyotherideafloatedor anysongsungintheinvocationofmalechauvinismisthepropositionof analien,atotalstrangeranoutsider[CASE NUMBER]Thatisthetruthinessentiality[CASE NUMBER]
HC-NIC Page 22 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017
26 Inthecaseof Smt[CASE NUMBER][PRECEDENT]asHisLordshipthenwas)hasbeen pleasedtopropoundthatameredecreefordivorcedoesnotstandinthe wayofthewifetoreceivemaintenanceunderSection[SECTION]5oftheCode andapetitionunderthatsectionismaintainableevenifthehusband obtainsadecreeforjudicialseparationorannulmentofthemarriage[CASE NUMBER] HisLordshipfurtherheldthat"anorderofmaintenancetoawifecanbe madeeventhoughthehusbandhasobtainedadecreefordivorceand thewife'srighttoreceivethesameisnotfetteredinanymannersolong asshehasnotremarried[CASE NUMBER]Inthisviewofthematter,notwithstandingthe decreeobtainedbythehusbandoppositeparty,petitionerNo[CASE NUMBER]1,would beentitledtoreceivemaintenanceunderSection[SECTION]5oftheCriminal ProcedureCode "HisLordshipalsoconsideredtheeffectof theCivilCourtsdecreeandheldthatevenifthedecreeofaCivilCourtis admissible under [SECTION] of the [ACT] but such decree for divorceitselfdoesnotdisentitlethewifetoreceivemaintenanceandin thatconnectionhisLordshipheldthat"therighttoreceivemaintenance underSection[SECTION]5oftheCodeflowsfromthestatuteandifallthepre conditions are satisfied then that right cannot be taken away in any manner[CASE NUMBER] The preconditions under [SECTION] of the [ACT] If all the preconditions are satisfied, then the wife's right to receive maintenance under the [ACT] remains unaffectedbyanydecreeofdivorceevenofacompetentCivilCourt[CASE NUMBER]"On the materials on record, learned Magistrate found that the pre conditionshavebeensatisfiedandthisfindinghasnotbeensetasideby the revisional Court[CASE NUMBER] In that view of the matter, in my opinion, the HC-NIC Page 23 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 learnedSessionsJudgegrosslyerredinlawindisentitlingthewifeto receivemaintenancemerelybecauseofadecreeofdivorceobtainedby thehusbandoppositeparty "
27 I have to my advantage a very lucid and erudite judgment renderedbyaDivisionBenchoftheKeralaHighCourtinthecaseofT[CASE NUMBER] K[CASE NUMBER]Surendranvs[CASE NUMBER]P[CASE NUMBER]NajimaBinduandAnr[CASE NUMBER][20[SECTION]Cri[CASE NUMBER]L[CASE NUMBER]J[CASE NUMBER]1960][CASE NUMBER]The DivisionBenchhasdiscussedtheissueindetailsobservingasunder:
"11[CASE NUMBER]Wenowrivetourattentionon[SECTION][ACT]Itisunnecessaryto extract the Section in detail[CASE NUMBER] The Section deals with the obligation of personshavingsufficientmeanswhorefuseorneglecttomaintaintheir wives, legitimate or illegitimate children, father or mother[CASE NUMBER] For our purposeinthiscaseweshallpointedlyrefertotherights/obligationsin respectofthewifealone[CASE NUMBER]Preventionofvagrancyisthesignaturetuneof [SECTION][ACT][CASE NUMBER]Vagrancymayleadto destitution and may have an adverse impact on the law and order situation[CASE NUMBER] The concern under [SECTION] of the [ACT] is hence undoubtedly the prevention of vagrancy[CASE NUMBER] Legal/moral obligation of the persontomaintainhiswifeisonlythejurisprudentialjustificationforthe legislativeprescriptiontopreventvagrancy[CASE NUMBER]Whetherpersonallaworthe moralcodeinsociety(oranyparticularsectionofsociety)obligesaperson to maintain his wife, children, father or mother or not, [SECTION], [ACT]mandatesthathemustmaintainthemifhehassufficientmeans and they are unable to maintain themselves[CASE NUMBER] What we would like to emphasise is that the legislative mission and purpose is to prevent vagrancyandthatissoughttobeachievedbyplacingontheshouldersof personshavingsufficientmeans,thestatutoryobligationtomaintaintheir wives,children,fatherormotherwhoareunabletomaintainthemselves[CASE NUMBER] InasocialistwelfareStatetheStatehastheobligationaspatronpatriarch to prevent destitution[CASE NUMBER] State which may not now have the means and schemestodischargethatduty,outsourcesthatobligationbylegislationto near relatives having sufficient means[CASE NUMBER] To sum up, the yearning of the Statetopreventvagrancyanddestitutionistheplank,basisorbedrockon whichtheright/liabilityunder[SECTION]5rests[CASE NUMBER]
[SECTION][CASE NUMBER] Theobligation tomaintainthewifewasstipulated evenunderSec[CASE NUMBER] 488 of the earlier Code[CASE NUMBER] In 1973 when the [ACT] was exhaustively amended, the legislature obviously perceived the unfortunate plight of women interminated marriageswhoremain unmarried[CASE NUMBER]The legislative concern/compassion flowing in favour of such wives of terminated HC-NIC Page 24 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 marriages who remain unmarried found expression in the expansive inclusionofcertaincategoriesofwomenwithintheprotectivesweepof[SECTION], [ACT] It is thus that [SECTION] was introduced by the ParliamentintheCodeofCriminalProcedure,1973[CASE NUMBER]Thisinclusionraised severaleyebrows[CASE NUMBER]ItwillbeappositestraightawaytoextractExplanation
(b) which is crucial for the resolution of the controversy before us[CASE NUMBER]
Explanation(b)to[SECTION]5readsasfollows:
Explanation[CASE NUMBER]ForthepurposeofthisChapter[CASE NUMBER]
(a)xxxxx
(b) "wife" includes a woman who has been divorced by, or has obtainedadivorcefrom,herhusbandandhasnotremarried[CASE NUMBER]"
[SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Unilateraldivorcees(wives)whosemarriagesstandterminatedbyacts oftheirhusbandsandpersonswhosemarriageshavebeenterminatedby intervention of Courts at the instance of either spouse, are certainly included within the sweep of the inclusive definition of "wife"[CASE NUMBER] By the normsprevalentinsocietysuchdivorcedwomen(orwomeninterminated marriages)arenotwivesasordinarilyunderstoodinlanguageandlaw[CASE NUMBER] Thelegislaturebyaboldinterventionincludedwomenofsuchterminated marriages also within the sweep of the expression "wife" subject to an importantriderthattheyshouldnothaveremarried[CASE NUMBER]
14[CASE NUMBER] What we intend to note is that the legislative compassion was in favourofawomaninaterminatedmarriageandwhohasnotremarried[CASE NUMBER] Wemaysafelycallittheconcerninfavourofadestitutewomanwhohas noonetodependonafterterminationoftheearliermarriagetillshere marries[CASE NUMBER]Itiseasytoidentifytheconcernofthelegislatureandthemalady whichthelegislaturesoughttoremedybytheenactmentofExplanation
(b)to[SECTION]5(1),[ACT]
15[CASE NUMBER]SocietalrealitiescannotbeignoredbyaCourttryingtoascertainthe reason or reasons and the meaning of meanings which prompted the legislature to introduce such an unconventional definition for the 'wife' [SECTION][ACT] the emancipated Indian women educated, employed and having properties[CASE NUMBER]Theyareexcludedbyonestrokefromtheoperationof[SECTION]5, [ACT]asthecompassionofthelegislatureflowsonlyinfavourofawife actual ordeemed who is"unable tomaintain herself "[CASE NUMBER]The legislative compassion,empathyandsympathywasflowingtowardsthatsectionof femininehumanityinIndiawhofollowingthetraditionalprescriptiondid not deserve any freedom[CASE NUMBER] She had to depend on her father during childhood,herhusbandduringyouthandonherchildrenduringoldage[CASE NUMBER] Shehadnorighttoaspireforfreedom[CASE NUMBER]Shewasa'subperson'alwaysin need of support and patronage from another[CASE NUMBER] It is to the unfortunate HC-NIC Page 25 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 plightofsuchdeprived,underprivilegedandmarginalisedfemininesection ofhumanitythatthelegislatureaddresseditselfandconferredtheright [SECTION][ACT] womanwhosematrimonyhasbeenterminateddivorcedunilaterallyor byinterventionofCourtsandwhohasnotbeenabletofindthesuccessor towhomshecanlookupfordependence,istherecipientofthelegislative compassionbytheinclusiveExplanation(b)to[SECTION][ACT] mindtherecanbenodoubtorconfusiononthiscrucialaspect[CASE NUMBER]Thetarget groupofthelegislativecompassionandconcernisthusclearlyidentifiable[CASE NUMBER] Ascertainment of legislature intention, though words used often inadequate,isthemissionoftheinterpreter/adjudicator[CASE NUMBER]Theadjudicator/ interpreter shall not be unequal to the task[CASE NUMBER] He should have the constitutionalvision[CASE NUMBER]Hemustresonatetothefrequencyofthelegislative idealism[CASE NUMBER]Soviewed,thetargetgroupidentificationiscrucial[CASE NUMBER]
16[CASE NUMBER]TheIndianState,thefunctionariesoftheStateandevencitizenshave thedutytopursuetheconstitutionalidealismexemplifiedinthepreamble totheConstitution[CASE NUMBER]Everyone,theState,itsfunctionariesthelegislature, theexecutiveandthejudiciaryandthecitizenhaveallgottheobligation tobesovereign,socialist,secularanddemocratic[CASE NUMBER]Constitutionalsocialism iscertainlynotanycompetingpoliticalideology[CASE NUMBER]Ifso,[ACT] would not have committed itself to any such competing political ideology as a fundamental constitutional value[CASE NUMBER] The constitutionalsocialismhasitsfoundationonhumanehumanismwhich thefundamentaldutyunderArt[CASE NUMBER]51A(h)commandseveryIndiancitizen to develop[CASE NUMBER] Concern for the weak, compassion for the marginalised, sympathy and empathy for the deprived, helpless and hapless is undoubtedlythesignaturetuneofIndianconstitutionalsocialism[CASE NUMBER]Wefind thecompassionofthesocialistlegislatureflowinginfavourofthedeprived sectionoffeminine humanitywhoareunable tofind aSaviour togive themcomfort,protectionanddignityoflifeconsequenttotheunfortunate terminationoftheirmatrimonyandtheirinabilitytogetsettledintheir lifethereafterbyremarriage[CASE NUMBER]
17[CASE NUMBER] How is the legislative prescription in [SECTION], [ACT] including [SECTION] anadjudicatorwithdueconstitutionalmooringsandvalues[CASE NUMBER]Thisisthe questionthatcallsforconsideration[CASE NUMBER]
18[CASE NUMBER]Thelegislatureisabody[CASE NUMBER]Itsconcernandvisionarereflectedinthe words of the Statute[CASE NUMBER] Words and semantics have their limitation[CASE NUMBER] The languageofthelegislatureisthatofthedraftsman[CASE NUMBER]Nolegislaturecanuse language which covers all situations and can offer precise and specific resolutionforthemyriadandvariedsituationsthatmayarisebeforethe adjudicator/interpreter when law actually operates[CASE NUMBER] Inadequacies of HC-NIC Page 26 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 languagecannotinterrupttheflowofthelegislaturecompassion[CASE NUMBER]Thatis wheretheroleoftheinterpreter/adjudicatorcomesin[CASE NUMBER]Theaxiomthatthe legislature uses appropriate language and that the intention of the legislatureisfullyexpressedinthelanguageusedintheStatuteistrite[CASE NUMBER] That Courts cannot legislate is equally trite[CASE NUMBER] These are doctrines of expediency and not invariable truth[CASE NUMBER] But all this cannot persuade an interpreter to abdicate his jurisdiction and obligation to decipher the meaningofmeaningsandthereasonorreasons[CASE NUMBER]Aninterpretermusthave the trained competence to jump over insignificant fences and lead the polity to the legislative destinations[CASE NUMBER] An interpreter who succumbs to technicality and throws his hands up too easily lacks the requisite constitutionalcommitment[CASE NUMBER]Helacksforesightandvisionofthepromised constitutional andstatutorydestination[CASE NUMBER] Imperfections and inadequacies oflanguagecannotdeteraninterpreterwhenthelegislativeintentionsand purposeareclearlyidentifiable[CASE NUMBER]
19[CASE NUMBER]Inasituationlikethis,thisCourtcancertainlydrawinspirationfrom the words of Hon'ble Justice [ENTITY] in paragraph 9 of Ramesh Chander [ENTITY], Captain v[CASE NUMBER] Veena [ENTITY] (AIR 1978 Supreme Court1807)[CASE NUMBER] Weextractthesaidpassagebelowwhichcanperpetually inspire adjudicator/interpreters struggling to find the meaning of meanings andthereasonofreasons[CASE NUMBER] Dealing withtheinterpretation of [SECTION][ACT]JusticeKrishnaIyerobservedthusinparagraph9:
"This provision is a measure of social justice and specifically enacted to protect women and children and falls within the constitutionalsweepofArt[CASE NUMBER]15(3)reinforcedbyArt[CASE NUMBER]39[CASE NUMBER] Wehave nodoubtthatsectionsofStatutescallingforconstructionbyCourts arenotpetrifiedprintbutvibrantwordswithsocialfunctionsto fulfil[CASE NUMBER]Thebroodingpresenceoftheconstitutionalempathyforthe weaker sections like women and children must inform interpretation if it has to have social relevance[CASE NUMBER] So viewed, itis possibletobeselectiveinpickingoutthatinterpretationoutoftwo alternativeswhichadvancesthecausethecauseofthederelicts[CASE NUMBER]"
(Emphasissupplied)
20[CASE NUMBER]Argumentshavebeenadvancedbeforeusaboutthemannerinwhich suchadeemedinclusivedefinitionofwifehastobeunderstood[CASE NUMBER]Wehave alreadynotedthatwifeinlanguageandlawdoesnotincludeadivorced wife(awifewhosematrimonystandsterminatedeitherunilaterallyorby operationoflawandwhohasnotremarried)[CASE NUMBER]Legislaturehasemployed thetechniqueofincludingwithinthesweepoftheexpression"wife"in[SECTION]nonwiveswhodonotordinarilyfallwithinthemeaningofthe expressioninlawandlanguage[CASE NUMBER]Itisartificialinclusionofcertainpersons HC-NIC Page 27 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 withinthesweepofadefinitionnotjustifiedbythemeaningordinarily assignment to the expression in language and law[CASE NUMBER] There is actually a fiction and deeming pressed into service by the legislature[CASE NUMBER] To include certaincategoriesofwomennotordinarilyfallingwithinthesweepofthe expression"wife",thelegislaturehasemployedthetechniqueofinclusive fiction[CASE NUMBER]Theyarenotwivesstrictosenso;buttheyareincludedaswivesin thedefinitionbythelegislature[CASE NUMBER]Canourclaimant/wifebeincludedinthat targetgroupofdeemedwives,womenisdistress,istheburningconcern beforeus[CASE NUMBER]
21[CASE NUMBER]Astohowaninclusivedefinitionhastobeunderstood,counselhave advanceddetailedarguments[CASE NUMBER]Observationsinparagraph10in Stateof Bombayv[CASE NUMBER][PRECEDENT] is pressed intoservice[CASE NUMBER]
"Itis obvious that the words, used in inclusive definition denote extensionandcannotbetreatedasrestrictedinanysense[CASE NUMBER](Vide:
[ENTITY]'s "Judicial Dictionary", Vol[CASE NUMBER] 2, p[CASE NUMBER] 1415)[CASE NUMBER] Where we are dealing withaninclusive definition itwould beinappropriate to putarestrictiveinterpretationupontermsofwiderdenotation"[CASE NUMBER]
22[CASE NUMBER]Itisunnecessarytoadverttomoreprecedentsonthisaspect[CASE NUMBER]However, weremindourselvesofonesubsequentdecisioninP[CASE NUMBER]Kasilingamv[CASE NUMBER]P[CASE NUMBER]S[CASE NUMBER]G[CASE NUMBER] CollegeofTechnology(AIR1995SC[SECTION]95)wherejusticeS[CASE NUMBER]C[CASE NUMBER]Agrawal observedthat:
"the word "includes" when used enlarges the meaning of the expressiondefinedsoastocomprehendnotonlysuchthingsasthey signify according to their natural import; but also those things whichtheclausedeclaresthattheyshallinclude[CASE NUMBER]"
23[CASE NUMBER]AliteralreadingofExplanation(b)mightconveythatawomanin order to claim inclusion in the sweep of the expression "wife" by the deemed definition must necessarily have been divorced or obtained a divorce from her husband and must not have remarried[CASE NUMBER] What is the sweepoftheexpression"divorcedbyorhasobtainedadivorcefrom"[CASE NUMBER]Can byaprocessofinterpretativeexpansionthewivesinannulledmarriages also be included within the sweep of [SECTION]? This is the challengingcontroversythatisraisedbeforeus[CASE NUMBER]
24[CASE NUMBER]Itmaybeappositeinthiscontexttogotothebodyof[SECTION]5andthe very fundamentals[CASE NUMBER] Liability under [SECTION] is only on the husband to maintain his wife[CASE NUMBER] The liability is not on "the spouse" having sufficient meanstomaintaintheotherspouseunabletomaintainhimself/herself[CASE NUMBER]
HC-NIC Page 28 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 Onlythemanandnotthewomancanbemadeliableunder[SECTION]5to maintainhisspouse[CASE NUMBER]Itisrelevanttonotethatthoughthelegislaturehad cautiouslyincludedlegitimateaswellasillegitimate childrenwithinthe sweepofClauses(b)and(c)of[SECTION]5,thelegislaturedidnotchooseto includetheillegitimate,nonformalordefactowiveswithinthesweepof [SECTION]5byspecificemploymentofwords[CASE NUMBER]Itappearsthattheexpression "wife" used in[SECTION] was intended torefer tolegitimate/legal wives[CASE NUMBER] ThatundoubtedlyistheinterpretationoftheSupremeCourtinalineof decisions[CASE NUMBER] We may broadly refer to the three mile stones namely Yamunabai Anantrao v[CASE NUMBER] Anantrao Shivaram (1988 (1) SCC 530 :
(AIR1988SC644 ;[ENTITY]v[CASE NUMBER]Veeraswami(1991(2)SCC375:(1991 AIRSCW754 and[ENTITY]SomabhaiBhatiyav[CASE NUMBER]StateofGujarat (2005(3)SCC636:(AIR2005SC1809 [CASE NUMBER]Thepositionappearstobe well settled[CASE NUMBER] Under [SECTION] as interpreted in these decisions proof of formalandlegalsolemnizationisnecessarytobringaspousewithinthe sweepoftheexpression"wife"in[SECTION]5(1)(a)[CASE NUMBER]Formalentrytothelegal and valid institution of matrimony is essential as per these precedents[CASE NUMBER] Mererelationshipsinthenatureofmarriagehavetobedistinguishedfrom formalandlegalmarriages[CASE NUMBER]Asperthethreedecisionsreferredabovethe former isnotentitled toand thelatter alone isentitled toclaimrights [SECTION][ACT] most basic of all human institutions in society[CASE NUMBER] The same has to be distinguishedfromnonformalrelationshipsofexpediency[CASE NUMBER]Arrangements forcarnalsatisfactionmeresatisfactionofphysicaldemandofsexuality, havetobedistinguishedfromtheformalsolemnrelationshipofmarriage[CASE NUMBER] Intentiontoentermatrimonyshouldbeunequivocallydeclaredbyformal solemnizationofmarriageinaccordancewithpersonallaw[CASE NUMBER]Intentionto entermatrimonymaybeinferredfromlongcohabitationofpartiesand acts of parties[CASE NUMBER] But wherever status is in dispute, proof of formal solemnization of marriage in accordance with personal law has to be insisted[CASE NUMBER] This is the irreducible desideratum that [ENTITY], [ENTITY] and [ENTITY][CASE NUMBER]
25[CASE NUMBER]Inaknowledgesocietysuchinsistenceonsolemnizationbyritualswill certainlybeopentochallenge[CASE NUMBER]Theseritualsofsolemnizationwereearlier insisted traditionally in ancient society to distinguish between a real intentiontoenterformalmatrimonyfromothernonformalrelationships[CASE NUMBER] It may be difficult in a knowledge society to sell the idea that formal declarations in documents including unquestioned registered documents areinsufficientandwantofritualisticsolemnizationwoulddetractagainst such intention to enter matrimony formally[CASE NUMBER] Solemnization used to be insisted only as unmistakable expression of intention to formally enter matrimony[CASE NUMBER]CertainlyinaknowledgesocietyCourtscannotcontinuewith HC-NIC Page 29 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 suchritualisticinsistenceonperformanceofritualsforsolemnization[CASE NUMBER]For amodernIndianwhohasimbibedtheconstitutionalfundamentaldutyto bereasonabletodevelopthescientifictemper,humanismandthespirit ofinquiryandreform,asinsistedunderArt[CASE NUMBER]51A(h),suchinsistencemay appeartobeemptyandhollow[CASE NUMBER]However,thefactremainsthatthelawas it now stands insists on formal ritual solemnization of marriage in accordance with the respective personal law[CASE NUMBER] Under the secular general law,formalverbalandexpresswrittendeclarationshavebeenheldtobe sufficient[CASE NUMBER]Arighttobeirrationalinmattersoffaithcannotobviouslybe claimed eveninoursecular republicwhichtolerates allreligious faiths[CASE NUMBER] Bold innovations in law must come in a knowledge society where the citizensrighttoentermatrimonycannotdependontheinvolvementofthe pundit, monk or khazi[CASE NUMBER] By giving expression of their unmistakable intentiontomarryinunquestionabledocumentsitmustbepossibleina knowledgesocietyforayoungmanandwoman,whodonotdenytheir religion,toentervalidmatrimony[CASE NUMBER]Wecancertainlyforeseeafuturedate whereemphasisandaccentwillnotbeonperformanceofemptyrituals whichmaynothaverelevanceinthemodernsociety[CASE NUMBER]Thesearchinfuture willcertainlybetounambiguousevidenceofintentiontocreateandenter suchformalrelationshipofmarriage[CASE NUMBER]Expressedintention inundisputed documentsmayhavetobegivendueweightundoubtedlyintheproofof marriageinfuture[CASE NUMBER]
26[CASE NUMBER] The learned counsel for the claimant/wife and the amicus curiae laboriously contend that distinction must bedrawn on the basisofthe purposeforwhichproofofmarriageisinsisted[CASE NUMBER]Thepurposeisimportant[CASE NUMBER] Forthepurposeofsuccessionandforascertainmentoflegalstatus,totally differentconsiderationsmayapplyasdistinguishedfrommereclaimsfor maintenance,supportandalimony[CASE NUMBER]TheobservationsoftheBombayHigh CourtinBhausahebaliasSanduv[CASE NUMBER]LeelaBai(AIR2004Bombay283) citedbythelearnedamicuscuriaedoesappeartobecruciallyrelevantand perfectlyacceptabletous:
"It would not be permissible to include in the term "wife" or "widow", that relationship which is not recognized by law[CASE NUMBER] However,therecanbeclassofpersonswhoare"illegitimatewives or widows" who can be the subject of benefaction of law of maintenance,notwithstandingthateventuallytheirlegalstatusis annulled [CASE NUMBER] For the purpose of the [ACT] and the [ACT] the terms "wife and widow" would have a restrictedarticulatelegalmeaning,thatbyitselfwouldnotbethe position whenthematter arisesforthepurpose ofproviding the measuresofsustenance onconsiderations ofjusticeandfairplay involvedandbasictoallhumanandsocialrelations[CASE NUMBER]"
(Emphasissupplied) HC-NIC Page 30 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017
27[CASE NUMBER]Wefindconsiderablemeritinthisapproach[CASE NUMBER]Ascertainment oflegal status for the purpose of succession etc[CASE NUMBER] will have to be distinguished certainlyfromtheascertainmentofthelegalrelationshipforthepurpose of mere avoidance of vagrancy[CASE NUMBER] [SECTION], [ACT] is not in any way concernedwithdeclarationofstatus[CASE NUMBER]Itdealsonlywiththeavowedobject of preventing vagrancy in the polity[CASE NUMBER] Ascertainment of strict legal relationship is not legally necessary when we consider the object and purposeof[SECTION][ACT]
28[CASE NUMBER]Windsofchangeareblowingacrossourjudicialsystem[CASE NUMBER]Theconcept that a de facto wife/illegitimate wife socalled is also entitled for maintenance is being progressively accepted[CASE NUMBER] A perusal of the relevant provisionsoftheProtectionofWomenfromDomesticViolenceAct,2005 (for short 'the [ACT]') makes the position eloquent[CASE NUMBER] Monetary relief includingmaintenanceisdeclaredtobeavailabletoanaggrievedperson under [SECTION] of the [ACT][CASE NUMBER] An aggrieved person as per [SECTION] is a womanwhoisorhasbeeninadomesticrelationshipwiththerespondent[CASE NUMBER]
"Domestic relationship" is defined under [SECTION] of the [ACT] as the relationshipbetweentwopersonswholiveorhaveatanypointoftime lived together in a shared household when they are related by consanguinity, marriage or through a relationship in the nature of marriageoradoption[CASE NUMBER]AsharedhouseholdisagaindefinedinSec[CASE NUMBER]2(s)of the[ACT]tomeanahouseholdwheretheaggrievedpersonlivesorhaslived inadomesticrelationshipwiththerespondent[CASE NUMBER]Weneednotdelvedeeper intotheprovisionsofthe[ACT][CASE NUMBER]Thecruxofthechangebroughtaboutby the[ACT]isthatthemonetaryreliefofmaintenance canbeclaimed not only by wives in legal matrimony but also by women related to men throughrelationshipsinthenatureofmarriagealso[CASE NUMBER]Thelawhastakena great stride forward to ensure security for and to prevent vagrancy in respectofsuchwomenwhohaverelationshipsinthenatureofmarriage withthepersonagainstwhomtheclaimismade[CASE NUMBER]Notonlythoselivingin such relationship; but also those who at any point of time had lived together insuch relationship are alsoentitled tothe monetary relief of maintenanceunderSec[CASE NUMBER]20ofthe[ACT][CASE NUMBER]
29[CASE NUMBER]Theconceptwaswellentrenchedinoursocietythatmaintenancecan beclaimedonlybyalegitimateandlegalwifeandnotbyawomanwho hadshared arelationship inthenature ofmarriage[CASE NUMBER] Butchanges have come about[CASE NUMBER] Today women who share a relationship in the nature of marriage can also claim maintenance[CASE NUMBER] Meretricious relationships are excluded; but other relationships in the nature of marriage which fall withinthedefinitionof"domesticrelationship"inSec[CASE NUMBER]2(f)ofthe[ACT]are reckoned as sufficient if those in such relationships live or had lived togetherinasharedhouseholdtoentitlethemtothereliefofmaintenance HC-NIC Page 31 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 under [SECTION] of the [ACT][CASE NUMBER] Entrenched concepts are undergoing transformation/change[CASE NUMBER]WeareconsciousofthedecisioninD[CASE NUMBER]Velusamy v[CASE NUMBER]D[CASE NUMBER]Patchaimmal(AIR2011SC479)inwhichguidelinesaregivento ascertainwhetherarelationshipnotamountingtoformalmarriagecanbe reckoned as sufficient to bring the relationship within the sweep of "domesticrelationship"inSec[CASE NUMBER]2(f)ofthe[ACT][CASE NUMBER]Weneednowonlyobserve that proof of the formal relationship of marriage is no more essential undertheIndianlawtoentitleawomantoclaimthemonetaryreliefof maintenanceunderSec[CASE NUMBER]20(1)(d)ofthe[ACT][CASE NUMBER]
30[CASE NUMBER]Thischangeinthelawmustnecessarilygetreflectedinunderstanding the concept of wife under [SECTION], [ACT] We take note of submissionofthelearnedamicuscuriaethatunderSec[CASE NUMBER]26(1)ofthe[ACT] whichweextractbelow,itisopentoaclaimantinapetitionunder[SECTION], [ACT] to claim the monetary relief of maintenance under [SECTION]
"26[CASE NUMBER] Relief in other suits and legal proceedings [CASE NUMBER] (1) Any relief availableunderSections18,19,20,21and22mayalsobesought inany legalproceedings, before acivilCourt, familyCourt ora criminalCourt,affectingtheaggrievedpersonandtherespondent whether such proceedings was initiated before or after the commencementofthisAct[CASE NUMBER]
(2)Anyreliefreferredtoinsubsection(1)maybesoughtforin addition to and along with any other relief that the aggrieved personmayseekinsuchsuitorlegalproceedingbeforeacivilCourt orcriminalCourt[CASE NUMBER]
(3)Incaseanyreliefhasbeenobtainedbytheaggrievedpersonin anyproceedingsotherthanaproceedingunderthisAct,sheshall beboundtoinformtheMagistrateofthegrantofsuchrelief[CASE NUMBER]"
Weagreewiththelearnedamicuscuriaethat,inthelightofSec[CASE NUMBER]26ofthe [ACT], the provisions of the [ACT] in relation to the monetary relief of maintenance havebeenbroughtinto[SECTION][ACT]anditwouldbe idletoattempttounderstand theexpression"wife" in[SECTION]5 without reference tothe concepts which have been accepted bythe Indian legal systembytheenactmentofthe[ACT][CASE NUMBER]BySec[CASE NUMBER]26weagreethatprovisionto claimmaintenance byawomaninnonformalrelationshipofmarriage with the respondent has also been brought into [SECTION], [ACT] by incorporation[CASE NUMBER] If the expression "wife" can be understood to include a womanindomesticrelationshipentitledtoclaimmaintenanceunderSec[SECTION]thereshallthereafterbenomeaningorretionalein theinsistenceonproofofformal/legalrelationshipofwifetoentitleher formaintenance[SECTION][ACT]"Wife"[SECTION][ACT] HC-NIC Page 32 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 will then have to include a woman in domestic relationship under the [ACT][CASE NUMBER]
31[CASE NUMBER]Inthelightofthe[ACT]andparticularlySec[CASE NUMBER]26thereofthedecisionin [ENTITY],[ENTITY]and[ENTITY]maydefinitelyhavetoberevisitedand reinterpreted[CASE NUMBER]Wedonotthinkitnecessaryforustocometoanyfinal conclusionsonthatquestion[CASE NUMBER]Thesameisunnecessaryforourpurposein this proceedings where we are only trying to understand whether the inclusive definition under [SECTION] would take in a wife in an annulledmarriage[CASE NUMBER]WedonotethattheSupremeCourtinChanmuniya v[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY]SinghGushawa 2011)1SCC141:(AIR2010SC (Supp) 29 has already referred the question to a larger Bench for decision[CASE NUMBER]TheNationandthelegalcommunityareanxiouslyawaitingthe decisioninChanmuniya[CASE NUMBER]Weareinformedthatthesaidcasehasnotbeen decidedyetbytheSupremeCourt[CASE NUMBER]
32[CASE NUMBER]Wenowcometotheimmediateproblembeforeusastowhetherthe wifeinanannulledmarriagecanfallwithintheinclusivedefinitionunder Explanation(b)[CASE NUMBER]
33[CASE NUMBER] Whatisthelegaleffectofadecreefornullityunder[SECTION]ofthe HinduMarriageAct?Doesitaltogetherobliterateandannihilatetheduly solemnizedmarriage?Whatisthedistinctionbetweenvoidmarriagesand voidable marriages? Is that distinction in any way relevant while considering theclaimforinclusion ofthewifeinanannulledmarriage alsowithinthesweepofExplanation(b)to[SECTION]5(1),[ACT]
34[CASE NUMBER] According tothe [ACT], themarriage canbevoid or voidable[CASE NUMBER]Avalidmarriagecanbeorderedtobedissolvedalso[CASE NUMBER]Under[SECTION]oftheHinduMarriageActcertainmarriagesaredeclaredtobenull andvoid[CASE NUMBER]Suchnullandvoidmarriagescanbetreatedasnonestbythe partiesandothers[CASE NUMBER]However,suchmarriagecanbedeclaredtobenulland voidbytheCourtbyissuingadecreeofnullity[CASE NUMBER]Amarriagewillbenull andvoidandcanbedeclaredtobenullandvoidunderSec[CASE NUMBER]11onlyifthe marriagecontravenestheconditionsspecifiedinClauses(i),(iv)and(v) [SECTION][CASE NUMBER]
35[CASE NUMBER]Under[SECTION]of[ACT]certainmarriagesshallbe voidableandmaybeannulledbyadecreeofnullityonanyoneofthefour specifiedgroundsunder[SECTION](1)(a)to(d)[CASE NUMBER]Suchmarriages,itistrite, arevalidinaccordancewithlawandwillcontinuetobevaliduntilthe Courtbyadecreeannulsthemarriageonanyoneofthespecificgrounds[CASE NUMBER] Inshort,themarriageisvalidinlawandwillcontinuetobevaliduntilit HC-NIC Page 33 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 is annulled by a decree of nullity under [SECTION][CASE NUMBER] Precedents galore to suggestthatsuchmarriagesarevalidandevenassumingthatGrounds(a) to(d)ofSec[CASE NUMBER]11existtovitiatethemarriage,partiesbytheirconductcan acceptsuchmarriageandintheabsenceofadecreeforannulmentsuch marriagewillcontinuetobevalidforallpurposes[CASE NUMBER]Itiscrucialtonotethat severance of a solemnized voidable marriage can be done only at the instance ofthespouses[CASE NUMBER]Suchseverance isonlyontheirvolition[CASE NUMBER]Thisis crucialwhileconsideringtheplyofExplanation(b)to[SECTION]5(1),[ACT]
36[CASE NUMBER]Sec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION]oftheHinduMarriageActdealswithdivorce[CASE NUMBER]Byadecreefor divorce,ongroundsspecifiedunderSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION],themarriagecanbedissolved bytheCourt[CASE NUMBER]ThegroundsarespecifiedinSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Theeffectofadecree under [SECTION], [SECTION] and [SECTION] therefore appears to be different[CASE NUMBER] The first [SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Itcanbetreatedasnullandvoidbythe partiesandothers[CASE NUMBER]Ifnecessary,thepartiescanseektheassistanceofthe Courtfordeclarationofsuchnullity[CASE NUMBER]Intheeyeoflawsuchamarriage doesnotexist[CASE NUMBER]
37[CASE NUMBER]Adecreeofannulmentbringstoterminationamarriagewhichinfact has been solemnized[CASE NUMBER] But for such decree by which such marriage is broughttoanend,themarriagewouldhavecontinuedtobevalid[CASE NUMBER]Parties havetheoptiontoreckonthemarriageasvalid[CASE NUMBER]Theyhavetheoptionto seekseverancebyadecreeforannulment[CASE NUMBER]
38[CASE NUMBER]Thethirdcategoryofterminatedmarriagesarevalidmarriages[CASE NUMBER]They continuetobevalid[CASE NUMBER]TheirvalidityisacceptedandconcededbytheCourt whenitgrantsadecreefordissolution[CASE NUMBER]Thedecreefordivorceterminates themaritaltiewhichisvalidandacceptedtobevalid[CASE NUMBER]
39[CASE NUMBER]Whataretheconsequencesofadecreepassedunderanyoneofthese threeSectionsSecs[CASE NUMBER]11,[SECTION]and[SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Thisquestionassumesimportance whenweundertakethespecifictaskofascertainingwhetheradecreeof annulmentunder[SECTION]wouldenablethewifeinsuchmarriagetoclaim maintenance[SECTION][ACT]
40[CASE NUMBER]Forthepurposeofthedisputebeforeusitisnotnecessarytoconsider whetherthewifewhosemarriageisorhasbeendeclaredtobenulland voidunderSec[CASE NUMBER]11oftheHinduMarriageActwouldbeentitledtoclaim maintenance [SECTION][ACT]Thedecisionsin[ENTITY],[ENTITY] and[ENTITY]appeartoclearlylaydownthatsuchawomanwillnotbea wifeandwouldconsequentlynotbeentitledformaintenanceunder[SECTION],[ACT]WeawaitthedecisioninChanmuniyav[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY] HC-NIC Page 34 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 SinghGushawa 2011)1SCC141:(AIR2010SC(Supp)29 andit is not necessary for us to express any opinion on the claim of such a womanformaintenance[SECTION][ACT]
41[CASE NUMBER]Abouttheclaimofawomanwhosemarriagehasbeendissolvedbya decreefordivorceunderSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION]of[ACT]thereisno dispute[CASE NUMBER]ShewillcertainlybeincludedwithinthesweepofExplanation(b) to[SECTION]5(1),[ACT]
42[CASE NUMBER] The precise question to be considered is whether a woman whose marriage is annulled under [SECTION] of the [ACT] can be includedwithinthesweepofExplanation(b)to[SECTION]5(1),[ACT]A reference to the language of [SECTION] may be of relevance[CASE NUMBER] A marriage attractingGrounds(a)to(d)of[SECTION](1)"shallbevoidableandmaybe annulledbyadecreeofnullity[CASE NUMBER]" Thisisallthatismentionedin[SECTION][CASE NUMBER] The effect or consequence of a marriage annulled under [SECTION] isnot declaredbythelegislatureinanyprovisionofthe[ACT]The marriageissaidtobevoidableandmaybeannulledbyadecreeofnullity[CASE NUMBER] Thisisallthatisstated[CASE NUMBER]Wenoteagainthatsuchamarriageshallremain andcontinuetobevalidforallpurposesunlessitisannulledbyadecree under[SECTION]ofthe[ACT]Partieshavetheoptiontotreat the marriage as valid[CASE NUMBER] If they do not go to Court and seek a decree annullingthemarriageunder[SECTION]thesameshallcontinuetobevalid for allintents and purposes[CASE NUMBER] Amarriage duly solemnized gets annulled only if parties in their volition approach the Court to get the same terminated in accordance with the provisions of [SECTION] of the [ACT][CASE NUMBER] The consequence of such annulment is not specifically declared[CASE NUMBER]
43[CASE NUMBER] What are the consequences in fact and in law? This has to be considered[CASE NUMBER]Thelearnedcounselfortherespondent/husbandcontendsthat once a marriage is annulled under [SECTION] as a voidable marriage, it ceasestoexistintheeyeoflaw[CASE NUMBER]Thereafteritisimpermissibletoreckon suchvoidablemarriageasvalidforanypurpose[CASE NUMBER]Adecreeofannulment under [SECTION] will have the effect of obliterating and annihilating the marriage solemnized[CASE NUMBER] Therefore it is not a case of a marriage being terminatedasinthecaseofadecreefordivorce/dissolutionunderSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION][CASE NUMBER] Itisacaseoftherebeingnomarriageatall[CASE NUMBER]Norightsorliabilitiescan stemoremanatefromsuchamarriagewhichisannulledunder[SECTION]of [ACT]contendscounsel[CASE NUMBER]
44[CASE NUMBER]Wefinditdifficulttopersuadeourselvestoacceptthiscontention[CASE NUMBER]The learnedcounselfortheclaimant/wifecontendsthatadecreeofannulment cannotcertainlyrestorethepartiestotheirpositionpriortomarriage,in HC-NIC Page 35 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 fact[CASE NUMBER] The solemnized marriage isareality[CASE NUMBER]Lawcannot close itseyesto suchsolemnized marriage[CASE NUMBER] Law cannot ignore the fact thatthe spouses hadlivedashusbandandwifeinsuchmatrimonyforsomeperiodoftime[CASE NUMBER] Lawcannotaffordtoignorethefactthatitisthevolitionoftheparties which had led to the annulment of the marriage under [SECTION] ofthe [ACT][CASE NUMBER] They could have treated the same to be valid[CASE NUMBER] Conductofpartieshasacrucialbearinginadecreeofannulmentunder [SECTION][CASE NUMBER]
45[CASE NUMBER] We find force in this submission[CASE NUMBER] In the Indian context where the virginityofawomanisgivenutmostimportance,shecannever,infact, reclaimherstatusasaspinsterafterannulmentofhermarriageunder [SECTION]ofthe[ACT]Shehaslosthermaidenhood[CASE NUMBER]Inthe eye of society she has lost her virginity[CASE NUMBER] Whatever be the law, on declarationofnullityorvoidnessofthemarriage,infact,[ENTITY]continue tobethewomaninaterminatedmarriage[CASE NUMBER]Hermaidenhoodislost[CASE NUMBER]Ifshe wantstoentermatrimonyagain,societywillreckonthesameonlyasare marriagewithallitsinadequaciesandinconveniences[CASE NUMBER]Onecannotwish away a solemnized marriage merely because such marriage has been annulledatthevolitionofpartiesbyaCourtbypassingadecreeunder [SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Whatweintendtonoteisthatthereisundoubtedtransformation ofthestatusofawomanfromamaidentothewomaninaterminated marriage[CASE NUMBER] Infact, consistent withthesocietal norms she ceases tobea maiden[CASE NUMBER]Herremarriagewillordinarilybeadifficultanduphilltask[CASE NUMBER]She wouldbeleftinthelurchwithoutanyonetosupportuntilherremarriage takesplace[CASE NUMBER]Weareonlyattemptingtosatisfyandconvinceourselvesthat such a woman certainly falls within the target group of unfortunate womeninwhosefavourthelegislativecompassiongetseloquentexpression bytheenactmentofExplanation(b)to[SECTION][ACT]
46[CASE NUMBER]Itisnotasthoughthelawassumesthatsuchanannulledmarriage can be ignored, overlooked or forgotten for allpurposes[CASE NUMBER] We shall now lookintotheeventualitiespointedoutbythelearnedamicuscuriaeand thelearnedcounselfortheclaimant/wifewherethelawrealisticallytakes intoaccountthedifferentstatusofspousesinanannulledmarriage[CASE NUMBER]The lawalsodoesnotreckonoracceptthatbecauseofadecreeforannulment, suchmarriagecanbeignored,overlookedorforgottenforallpurposes[CASE NUMBER]
47[CASE NUMBER] Before considering the specific instances under the [ACT],wetakenoteofthesubmissionsofDr[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY]the learned amicus curiae on how other jurisprudential systems have consideredtheissue[CASE NUMBER]ThelearnedamicuscuriaepointsoutthatinEngland underSec[CASE NUMBER]23ofMatrimonialCausesAct,1973ithasbeenmadeclear thatinrespectoffinancialprovisionsorders,adecreefordivorceanda decreefornullitystandonthesamefooting[CASE NUMBER]Thelearnedcounselpoints HC-NIC Page 36 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 outthatinWhitev[CASE NUMBER]White(2000)theHouseofLords(decisiondated 26102000) has instructed Courts to assume an equal split of matrimonial assets on divorce or nullity[CASE NUMBER] All systems are realistically acceptingprogressivelytheneedtohaveidenticalproprietoryconsequences followingadecreefornullityanddivorce,arguescounsel[CASE NUMBER]Wetakenoteof thesesubmissions, thoughwedonotwanttofoundanyconclusions on suchsubmissions[CASE NUMBER]
48[CASE NUMBER]WenowtakeintoconsiderationSec[CASE NUMBER]16ofthe[ACT] WeextractSec[CASE NUMBER]16(2)whichdealswiththefateofchildrenbegottenina marriageannulledunder[SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Sec[CASE NUMBER]16(2)readsasfollows:
"16[CASE NUMBER]Legitimacyofchildrenofvoidandvoidablemarriages[CASE NUMBER] (1)xxxxxx (2)Where adecree ofnullityisgranted inrespectofavoidable marriageunderSection[SECTION],anychildbegottenorconceivedbefore thedecreeismade,whowouldhavebeenthelegitimatechildofthe parties to the marriage if at the date of the decree it had been dissolved instead of being annulled, shall be deemed to be their legitimatechildnotwithstandingthedecreeofnullity[CASE NUMBER]"
Achildborninsuchmarriageannulledunder[SECTION]isequatedwitha childborninamarriagedissolvedbyadecreefordissolutionunderSec[CASE NUMBER]
[SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Allthatweintendtotakenoteisthatthelegislatureitselfhasequated theconsequencesofadecreeannullingmarriageunder[SECTION]toadecree fordissolution(divorce)underSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION]oftheHinduMarriageActfora specified purpose[CASE NUMBER] Depending on the purpose tobe served/achieved itis possible,itisevidentthattheannulledmarriagecanbereckonedtohave thesameeffectasadissolvedmarriage[CASE NUMBER]Sofarasthelegitimacyofchildren born,Sec[CASE NUMBER]16(2)declaresthatthereisnodistinctionbetweenamarriage annulledunder[SECTION]andamarriagedissolvedunderSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Thatto ourmindisofcrucialrelevance[CASE NUMBER]
49[CASE NUMBER]AnotherinstanceispointedoutinSec[CASE NUMBER]25[CASE NUMBER]Eventhewifeofamarriage annulled under [SECTION] is entitled for permanent alimony and maintenance[CASE NUMBER]WeextractSec[CASE NUMBER]25(1)below:
"25[CASE NUMBER] Permanent alimony and maintenance [CASE NUMBER] (1) Any Court exercisingjurisdictionunderthisActmay,atthetimeofpassing anydecreeoratanytimesubsequentthereto,onapplicationmade toitforthepurposebyeitherthewifeorthehusband,asthecase maybe,orderthattherespondentshallpaytotheapplicantforher orhismaintenanceandsupportsuchgrosssumorsuchmonthlyor HC-NIC Page 37 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 periodicalsumforatermnotexceedingthelifeoftheapplicantas, havingregardtotherespondent'sownincomeandotherproperty, ifany,theincomeandotherpropertyoftheapplicant,theconduct ofthepartiesandothercircumstancesofthecase,itmayseemto the Court to be just, and any such payment may be secured, if necessary, by a charge on the immovable property of the respondent[CASE NUMBER]"
TheSectioncomesintooperation"atthetimeofpassinganydecreeorat anytimesubsequentthereto"[CASE NUMBER]Aquestionarosewhetherforthepurposeof grantofpermanentalimonyandmaintenancewifeofamarriageannulled under [SECTION] can be reckoned as identical to a wife in a marriage dissolved under [SECTION][CASE NUMBER] It is now trite after the decision in [ENTITY]v[CASE NUMBER]Rameshwari(AIR2005SC422)thatthewifeinan annulled marriage is also entitled for permanent alimony and [ACT]Areferencetothe followingobservationsinparagraph17of[ENTITY]doesappearto ustobecruciallyrelevant:
"17[CASE NUMBER] In the present case, on the husband's petition, a decree declaringthesecondmarriageasnullandvoidhasbeengranted[CASE NUMBER] Thelearnedcounselhasarguedthatwherethemarriageisfoundto benullandvoidmeaningnonexistentineyeoflawornonest,the present respondent cannot lay a claim as wife for grant of permanentalimonyormaintenance[CASE NUMBER]Wehavecriticallyexamined theprovisionsofSection25inthelightofconflictingdecisionsof theHighCourtcitedbeforeus[CASE NUMBER]Inourconsideredopinion,ashas beenheldbythisCourtinChandDhawan'scase(1993AIRSCW 2548)(supra),theexpressionusedintheopeningpartofSection 25enablingthe'CourtexercisingjurisdictionundertheAct atthe time ofpassing anydecreeoratanytime subsequent thereto'to grant alimony or maintenance cannot be restricted only to, as contended,decreeofjudicialseparationunderSection10ordivorce under [SECTION][CASE NUMBER] When the legislature has used such wide expressionas'atthetimeofpassingofanydecree',itencompasses within the expression all kinds of decrees such as restitution of conjugalrightsunderSection9,judicialseparationunderSection 10, declaring marriage as null and void under Section 11, annulmentofmarriageasvoidableunderSection[SECTION]andDivorce underSection[SECTION][CASE NUMBER]"
ThelearnedJudgesproceededtoconsiderthepurposeandtherationale underlyingthestatutorystipulationsandproceededtoholdinparagraph 19asfollows:
HC-NIC Page 38 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 "It is with the purpose of not rendering a financially dependent spousedestitutethatS[CASE NUMBER]25enablestheCourttoawardmaintenance at the time of passing any type of decree resulting in breach in marriagerelationship[CASE NUMBER]"
50[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY] (as also the earlier decisions on which reliance is placedinthatdecision)isreckonedbyusasauthorityfortheproposition that an annulled marriage does not altogether deprive a financially dependentdestitutewifeofherrighttoclaimmaintenance/alimonyonthe basisofsuchannulledrelationshipofmarriage[CASE NUMBER]ForthepurposeofSec[CASE NUMBER]25, it is crucial that the wife in an annulled marriage under [SECTION] is reckonedasidenticaltoawifewhosemarriageisdissolvedbyadecreefor dissolutionofmarriageunderSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Underthecivil(personallaw)the womaninanannulledmarriageisentitledtoclaimpermanentalimony and maintenance[CASE NUMBER] That must carry us far in the journey to ascertain whether such a woman in an annulled marriage is entitled to claim maintenance underthesecularlaw(CodeofCriminalProcedure)where theaccentistopreventdestitutionandvagrancy[CASE NUMBER]Ifshecanclaimsuch permanent alimony and maintenance under the personal law under certain conditions, we can locate no valid reason to deny such maintenanceunderthesecularlawifshesatisfiestheconditionsspecified insuchlaw[CASE NUMBER]
51[CASE NUMBER]ItofcoursetruethatSec[CASE NUMBER]25permitseventhewifewhosemarriageis declaredtobenullandvoidbyaCourtunderadecreepassedunder[SECTION]tobeeligibletoclaimmaintenance[CASE NUMBER]Weneednotdelvedeeperintothe claimofawifewhosemarriageisdeclarednullandvoidbyadecreeunder Sec[CASE NUMBER]11[CASE NUMBER]Whatweneednoteisonlythatnosuchrightisseenconcededtoa womaninrespectofwhosemarriagenodecreewhatsoeverisclaimedand the marriage is reckoned to be null and void and ab initio by the declarationunderSec[CASE NUMBER]11[CASE NUMBER]WetakenoteofSec[CASE NUMBER]25onlytosatisfyourselves that annulment of marriage under [SECTION] does not obliterate or annihilatethesolemnizedmarriageforthepurposeofgrantingpermanent maintenance/alimonyunderSec[CASE NUMBER]25[CASE NUMBER]ForthepurposeofSec[CASE NUMBER]25,thereis equationofthewifeinanannulledmarriageunder[SECTION]withthewife inadissolvedmarriageunderSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION][CASE NUMBER]
52[CASE NUMBER]OurattentionhasnowbeenbroughttoSec[CASE NUMBER]15oftheHinduMarriage Act[CASE NUMBER]WeextractSec[CASE NUMBER]15below:
"15[CASE NUMBER] Divorced person when may marry again [CASE NUMBER] When a marriagehasbeendissolvedbyadecreeofdivorceandeitherthere isnorightofappealagainstthedecreeor,ifthereissucharightof HC-NIC Page 39 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 appeal, the time for appealing has expired without an appeal having beenpresented, oranappeal hasbeenpresented buthas beendismissed,itshallbelawfulforeitherpartytothemarriageto marryagain[CASE NUMBER]"
(Emphasissupplied) Thissectiondealswiththerightofaspouseinamarriagedissolvedbya decreefordivorcetomarryagain[CASE NUMBER]BytheplainlanguageofSec[CASE NUMBER]15ofAct can apply only "when a marriage has been dissolved by a decree for divorce"[CASE NUMBER] Even though the [ACT] speaks ofdeclaration of nullity of a void marriage under [SECTION], annulment of a voidable marriageunder[SECTION]andthedissolutionofavalidmarriagebyadecree fordivorceunderSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION],Sec[CASE NUMBER]15specificallyrefersonlytoaninstance whenamarriagehasbeendissolvedbyadecreefordivorce[CASE NUMBER]Thequestion arosewhetherthespouseinanannulledmarriageunder[SECTION]isalso subjecttothesamerestriction/disabilityinrespectofremarriage[CASE NUMBER]Going bytheplainandexpresswordsofSec[CASE NUMBER]15,itwaspossibletocontendthatit appliesonlytoapersonwhosemarriagehasbeendissolvedbyadecreefor divorceunderSec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION][CASE NUMBER]TheSupremeCourtinSmt[CASE NUMBER]LataKamatv[CASE NUMBER]Vilas (AIR1989SC1477)unambiguouslycametotheconclusionthatspouses inanannulledmarriageunder[SECTION]orinadissolvedmarriageunder Sec[CASE NUMBER][SECTION]wouldallfallwithinthesweepoftheexpression"dissolvedbya decree for divorce"[CASE NUMBER] The following observations in paragraph7 of Smt[CASE NUMBER] LataKamatdoesappeartoustobecrucial:
"It is no doubt true that these two sections have different phraseology[CASE NUMBER]In[SECTION]itissaidthatthemarriagebeannulledby a decree of nullity whereas in S[CASE NUMBER] [SECTION], the phraseology used is "dissolvedbydecreeofdivorce"butinsubstancethemeaningofthe twomaybedifferentunderthecircumstancesandonthefactsof eachcasebutthelegalmeaningortheeffectisthatbyintervention oftheCourttherelationshipbetweentwospouseshasbeensevered eitherinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofS[CASE NUMBER][SECTION]orinaccordance withtheprovisionsofS[CASE NUMBER][SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Probablyitisbecauseofthisreason thatthephrase'decreeofnullity'and'decreeofdivorce'havenot beendefined[CASE NUMBER]"
(Emphasissupplied)
53[CASE NUMBER] Later in the same judgment in paragraph7 the learned Judges proceededtomakethefollowingobservations:
"This phrase'marriage hasbeendissolved byadecree ofdivorce' will only mean where the relationship of marriage has been broughttoanendbytheprocessofCourtbyadecree[CASE NUMBER]"
HC-NIC Page 40 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 Theaboveobservationsinparagraph7ofSmt[CASE NUMBER][ENTITY] us to be crucially relevant as we are considering these issues for the purpose of deciding whether the expression "a woman who has been divorcedby,orhasobtainedadivorcefromherhusband"inExplanation
(b)to[SECTION]5(1)wouldincludethewifeinanannulledmarriageunder [SECTION][CASE NUMBER]ThedictuminSmt[CASE NUMBER]LataKamatsupportstheclaimant/wife[CASE NUMBER]
54[CASE NUMBER]Wemaystraightwayrefertotheprovisionsofthe[ACT][CASE NUMBER]Thewifeinthe annulledmarriagewascertainlylivinginarelationshipwithherspousein asharedhouseholdthrougharelationshipinthenatureofmarriage[CASE NUMBER]The marriagemayhavebeenvoidable[CASE NUMBER]Itmayhavebeenannulledbyadecree under[SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Thatdoesnottakeawayordetractfromthefactthatthe spouseshadlivedtogetherinasharedhouseholdinarelationship"inthe natureofmarriage" thoughthatrelationship,onaccountofvolitionof thepartieshassubsequentlybeendeclaredtobevoidableandannulled[CASE NUMBER] Thespouseshavegonethroughaceremonyofmarriage[CASE NUMBER]Theirmarriage hasbeendulysolemnized[CASE NUMBER]Consequenttosuchrelationshipcreatedbysuch solemnization, they have lived together as husband and wife for some periodoftime[CASE NUMBER]Theydidsolivetogetherinasharedhouseholdalso[CASE NUMBER]The mere fact that such relationship has subsequently been annulled by a decree under [SECTION] cannot militate against the status of parties as personsinadomesticrelationshipandoftheirhavinglivedinashared household[CASE NUMBER]Inthesecircumstances,notwithstandingthesubsequentdecree under[SECTION]annullingthemarriage,thewifemustbeheldtobeentitled formonetaryreliefofmaintenanceunderSec[CASE NUMBER]20(1)(d)ofthe[ACT][CASE NUMBER]We areconsciousofanearlierreporteddecisionbyalearnedsingleJudgein [ENTITY][CASE NUMBER]StateofKerala(2009(3)KHC569:2009(3) KLT967) betweenthesamepartieswhereithasbeenheldthatsucha wifeinanannulledmarriagecannotbeheldtohavesharedadomestic relationship[CASE NUMBER]Asrightlypointedoutbythelearnedamicuscuriae,thesaid decisioncannotanymorebeheldtobevalidinthelightofthedecisionin [PRECEDENT][CASE NUMBER] Consideringthe social purpose which the [ACT] has toserve and considering the specific languageemployedinthedefinitionofSec[CASE NUMBER]2(f)("domesticrelationship") andSec[CASE NUMBER]2(s)("sharedhousehold"),ithasgottobeheldthatawoman wholiveswiththespouseinasolemnizedmarriageorhadsolivedwith him after such solemnized marriage must be held to be an aggrieved personunderSec[CASE NUMBER]2(a)andshecanclaimagainstherspouse whofalls within the sweep of the definition "respondent" in [SECTION][CASE NUMBER] Notwithstandingthesubsequentannulmentofmarriagebyadecreeunder [SECTION]of[ACT]thestatusofthepartiesasaggrieved personandtherespondentisnotaffectedandtheirpastresidence(priorto annulment)inthesharedhouseholdonthestrengthofsuchsolemnized marriage must certainly be held to entitle the wife/woman to the monetary relief of maintenance under [SECTION] of the [ACT][CASE NUMBER]
HC-NIC Page 41 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 Annulmentofmarriageunder[SECTION]oftheHinduMarriageActcannot altogetherobliterateorannihilatethesolemnizedmarriage[CASE NUMBER]Secs[CASE NUMBER]16,25 and15asinterpretedinbindingprecedentsacceptthisposition[CASE NUMBER]Evenif themarriage isannulled under[SECTION]oftheHinduMarriage Act, the decreeofannulmentcannotmilitateagainstthisfactthatthemanand womanhadlivedtogetherinasharedhouseholdandwererelatedtoeach otherthougharelationshipinthenatureofmarriage[CASE NUMBER]Themarriagemay havebeenvoidable[CASE NUMBER]Itmayhavebeenannulledasavoidablemarriageby adecreeofannulmentunder[SECTION]ofthe[ACT]Butall thesecannotmilitateagainstthefactthattheirrelationshipwas(atleast) inthenatureofmarriage[CASE NUMBER]Thespouseswholivedtogetherforsometimein an annulled marriage can certainly be held to have shared adomestic relationshipasdefinedunderSec[CASE NUMBER]2(f)of[ACT][CASE NUMBER]Inthisviewofthematter, weareunable toagree withthedictum in Surendran(supra)[CASE NUMBER]Ithas hencegottobeheldtobenotvalid[CASE NUMBER]Wedospecificallyoverrulethesaid decisionin[ENTITY][CASE NUMBER]StateofKerala(2009(3)KHC569)[CASE NUMBER]
55[CASE NUMBER] We do, in these circumstances, have no hesitation to come to the conclusionthattheexpression"womanwhohasbeendivorcedbyorhas obtained adivorcefromherhusband" in[SECTION]5(1)(b), [ACT]must receivealiberalandexpansiveinterpretationtoincludeadestitutewoman indistresswhosemarriagehasbeenannulledbyadecreeunder[SECTION]of the [ACT][CASE NUMBER] To us,the core or the crux ofthe ingredients specified under [SECTION] is that the woman must be one whose matrimonial relationship stands severed by acts of spouses including interventionofCourtattheirinstance,andwhohasnotremarried[CASE NUMBER]Going bythe object, purpose and rationale ofthe deemed inclusion ofcertain nonwives in the category of wives by [SECTION] it would be impermissible todeny the benefit ofthe legislative compassion towives whosemarriageshavebeenannulledbyCourtatthevolitionofparties,on groundsavailableunder[SECTION][CASE NUMBER]
56[CASE NUMBER] A contention has been advanced with great fervor by the learned counsel for the respondent/husband that such interpretative expansion would make innocent husbands also liable under [SECTION], [ACT] A husbandwhosemarriagehasbeenannulledonaccountofcontumacious conductonthepartofhiswifeofferingagroundunder[SECTION](1)(a)to
(d)willalsobemade liable topaymaintenance tohiswifeunder [SECTION], [ACT] This is not justified[CASE NUMBER] Such aconsequence must be alertly avoided,contendsthelearnedcounselfortherespondent/husband[CASE NUMBER]
57[CASE NUMBER]Wehavetakennoteofthiscontentionanxiously[CASE NUMBER][SECTION]5,according tous,hasnothingtodowithcontumaciousnessexceptperhapsinthe refusalorneglecttopaymaintenance[CASE NUMBER]Iftherelationshipspecifiedunder [SECTION][ACT] HC-NIC Page 42 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 andneglectingtopaymaintenancetohiswifeunabletomaintainherself, [SECTION]5mandatespaymentofmaintenanceandthepurposesimplyisto avoid vagrancy and destitution[CASE NUMBER] Moral contumaciousness is evidently irrelevant[CASE NUMBER]ItismoresoinrespectofadeemedwifeunderExplanation(b) to[SECTION]5(1),[ACT]
58[CASE NUMBER] That it is not so is evident[CASE NUMBER] We quote one example[CASE NUMBER] A wife in matrimony who is living in adultery may not be entitled to claim maintenance under [SECTION], [ACT] But the moment her husband secures divorce on the ground of adultery, he becomes liable to pay maintenancetoherinhercapacityasadivorcedwife[CASE NUMBER]Itistritethatthe merefactthatdivorcehasbeenobtainedbythehusbandonaccountof matrimonialcontumaciousness ofthewifeisnoreasonforthedivorced husbandtoclaimabsolutionfromtheliabilitytopaymaintenancetohis divorced wife under [SECTION], [ACT] A husband who has obtained divorceonthegroundofmoralcontumaciousnessofhiswifeisalsoliable topaymaintenancetohisdivorcedwifeifsheisunabletomaintainherself andhehassufficientmeans[CASE NUMBER]Inthisviewofthematter,weareunableto attachanycrucialsignificancetotheargumentsadvancedonthebasisof moralcontumaciousnessofthewifewhichmayhaveledtothepassingof adecreeforannulmentunder[SECTION]ofthe[ACT]Asinthe case of marriage dissolved under [SECTION] of the [ACT], whateverbethegroundofannulment,thewifecontinuestobeadeemed wifeunderExplanation(b)[CASE NUMBER]
59[CASE NUMBER]ThecontentionislaboriouslyraisedthatunderSec[CASE NUMBER]25oftheHindu MarriageAct(wehavealreadyextractedSec[CASE NUMBER]25(1 theCourtcantake noteof"theconductofthepartiesandothercircumstancesofthecase"[CASE NUMBER] Butwhenitcomestoaclaim[SECTION][ACT] annulled marriage, the Court will not be able to take note of the contumaciousconductoftheparties[CASE NUMBER]Thiswouldworkoutinjustice,itis impassionately contended by the learned counsel for the respondent/husband[CASE NUMBER]
60[CASE NUMBER]WehadadvertedtoSec[CASE NUMBER]25onlytosatisfyourselvesthattheliability topaypermanentalimonyandmaintenance tothewifeinanannulled marriageisrecognizedbylawasperthepersonallawapplicabletothe parties[CASE NUMBER] Under the personal law certain circumstances have tobe taken intoconsideration[CASE NUMBER]Underthesecularlaw[SECTION][ACT]therightto claimmaintenancecanbeenforcedifthecircumstancesmentionedunder [SECTION]5aresatisfied[CASE NUMBER]ThemerefactthatwhilegrantingreliefunderSec[SECTION],theCourtmaybeentitledtotakenoteof certainothercircumstancesalso(i[CASE NUMBER]e[CASE NUMBER]theconductoftheparties)cannotin anywayentitletherespondent/husbandtocontendthatsuchwifeinan annulledmarriageshouldnotbeincludedintheexpansiveinterpretation HC-NIC Page 43 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 of"wife"under[SECTION]5(1)(b),[ACT]"
"68[CASE NUMBER]Wemustnoteinthiscontextthatalltheprecedentscitedaboverelate tothepre[ACT]era[CASE NUMBER] Revolutionarychangeshavebeenbroughtaboutand entrenched concepts prevalent in society have been shaken by the enactment ofthe[ACT][CASE NUMBER] Subsequent statutoryinstruments mustcertainly persuadetheCourtstounderstandcontemporarymeaningofexpressions inStatutesenactedinabygoneera[CASE NUMBER]ItwouldbemyopicforaCourtto attempttounderstandthemeaningoftheexpression"wife"intheinclusive definition under [SECTION], [ACT] today without imbibing the current legal norms prevalent in society in respect of the claim of maintenance by a woman sharing a domestic relationship with the respondent[CASE NUMBER]TheendeavourofallCourtsatalltimesmustbetoinnovate and understand the language of legislations in tune with the norms currently prevalent in society, ushered in and accepted by subsequent piecesoflegislations[CASE NUMBER]Inthisviewofthematter,wearesatisfiedthatinthe post[ACT]eraattemptcannotbemadetounderstandExplanation(b)to [SECTION], [ACT] divorced ofthe current context insocietal and legal development[CASE NUMBER]
69[CASE NUMBER] Toconclude,weholdthatExplanation(b)to[SECTION]5(1), [ACT] must receive an interpretation consistent with the laudable legislative purpose,objectandrationaletopreventvagrancyandavoiddestitution[CASE NUMBER] Wetaketheviewthat"thewife"underExplanation(b)mustincludeany womanwhosemarriagehasbeenbroughttoseverancebyactsofspouses including a decree passed by Court at their instance under [SECTION] or [SECTION][CASE NUMBER]Theaccentisthatsuchwifeina terminated marriage unilaterally or by intervention of Court, must remain unmarried to claim inclusion within the ambit of deemed wife underExplanation(b)[CASE NUMBER]Therealisticacceptanceofthefactthatthewifein anannulledmarriagecannot,infact,beplacedbylawtoherpositionof maidenhood/spinstershippriortomarriagedemandsandwarrantssuch anexpansive interpretation ofthe expression "wife" in[SECTION][CASE NUMBER] ThefactthatconsequencesofanannulmentarenotdeclaredintheHindu MarriageActspecificallyandthefactthatforthepurposeofSecs[CASE NUMBER]16,25 and15thelawrealisticallyacceptsthatsuchmarriagecannotbeignored, overlooked or forgotten and has tobe equated toamarriage dissolved under [SECTION] does also help us to accept the wider meaning for the expression"wife"inExplanation(b)[CASE NUMBER]Thefactthatunderthepersonallaw applicabletotheparties,thereisaliabilityforthehusbandinanannulled marriagetopaypermanentalimonyandmaintenancetothewifeunder certain circumstances does also embolden us to include the wife in an annulled marriage also within the ambit of a deemed wife under [SECTION][CASE NUMBER] We take the view thatsuchawoman falls within the sweepofthedefinitionof"wife"underExplanation(b)[CASE NUMBER]
HC-NIC Page 44 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017
70[CASE NUMBER]Needlesstosaythatwivesbelongingtootherreligiousdenominations whose voidable marriages have been annulled by a decree for nullity passedbyCourtattheinstanceofeitherspouseshallallfallwithinthe inclusivedefinitionof"wife"inExplanation(b)to[SECTION]5(1)[CASE NUMBER]However, sofaraswiveswhosemarriagesareexpresslydeclaredbylawtobenull and void without intervention of Courts as in [SECTION] of the [ACT], we do not express any final opinion in the light of the decisions in [ENTITY], [ENTITY] and [ENTITY] (supra), though we are certainlyoftheopinionthatinviewofSec[CASE NUMBER]20andSec[CASE NUMBER]26ofthe[ACT] they also deserve to be included[CASE NUMBER] We do also await the decision in Chanmuniya(AIR2010SC(Supp)29)(supra)onthataspect[CASE NUMBER]"
28 Itthusemergesfromreferencetotheseriesofcitationsreferredto above that the Apex Court has not only disapproved the theory of debarringadivorceetogetmaintenanceonthegroundofdisentitlement underSection[SECTION]5(4)oftheCode,butalsotheirLordshipshaveclearly and categorically explained that after divorce, the concept of living togetherbeingnotenforceableinlaw,customorpractice,thefactumof separate living does not by itself disentitle the divorcee to claim for maintenanceunderSection[SECTION]5oftheCode[CASE NUMBER]
29 Inviewoftheaforesaiddiscussion,Ifinditextremelydifficultto accept the submissions of Mr[CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY], the learned senior counsel appearingfortheapplicantthattheterm"wife"underSection[SECTION]5(4)of the[ACT]wouldincludeadivorcedwife[CASE NUMBER]Sofarasthecaseonhandis concerned,althoughtheapplicantobtainedadecreeofdivorceunder [SECTION]onthegroundthathiswifei[CASE NUMBER]e[CASE NUMBER]the respondent No[CASE NUMBER]1 deserted him for no good reason or any legally justifiablecause,yetinsuchcircumstancesalso,thewifeisentitledto claimmaintenanceunderSection[SECTION]5ofthe[ACT]
30 For the foregoing reasons, this application fails and is hereby HC-NIC Page 45 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017 rejected[CASE NUMBER]Rulestandsdischarged[CASE NUMBER]
([ENTITY], J[CASE NUMBER]) chandresh HC-NIC Page 46 of 46 Created On Sat May 06 01:28:21 IST 2017