According to the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, a widow’s minor children are entitled to maintenance from her in-laws.

In a recent decision (Hari Ram Hans v. Deepali & Ors. ), the Punjab & Haryana High Court declared that the term “widow” in the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956, would also cover the mother’s children who are living with her.

A petition for revision of a family court decision ordering the father-in-law of a widow to provide support for each of his three grandchildren in the amount of $2,000 was being heard by the court.

Justice Anil Kshetarpal stated that he would not alter the family court’s ruling.

This news is written by Ms. Amrita Singh, Research Assistant, All India Legal Forum.