Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 provides a legal remedy for the maintenance of wife, children, and elderly parents who are unable to maintain themselves. This section is part of the procedural criminal law in India, but it serves a social purpose rather than a punitive one.
Key Provisions of Section 125 CrPC:
- It allows a Magistrate of the first class to order a person having sufficient means to provide a monthly allowance to:
1. His wife (legally wedded, not living in adultery or separated with mutual consent)
2. His legitimate or illegitimate minor child (whether married or not), and major child if unable to maintain due to physical or mental incapacity
3. His father or mother, if they are unable to maintain themselves
Objective:
The objective of Section 125 is to prevent destitution and ensure that no close relative suffers due to neglect by a person who has the financial means to support them. It is based on the moral and legal obligation of a person to maintain their dependents.
Nature of the Provision:
Although part of the Criminal Procedure Code, the proceedings under Section 125 are civil in nature. It is a quick and summary remedy to provide immediate relief to the aggrieved parties.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which ensures maintenance rights for wives, children, and parents who are unable to support themselves.