Question

The maximum limit of Rs. 500 that could be paid to the wife as maintenance under Section 125 of the Cr.P.C 1973 was removed in:

• A. 1973
• B. 1989
• C. 2001
• D. 2007

Hint:

The Rs. 500 maintenance cap under Section 125 CrPC was a long-standing issue. Remember that it was finally removed in the year 2001, allowing for more realistic and fair maintenance awards.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The original Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, under Section 125, had a monetary ceiling of Rs. 500 per month for maintenance. This amount became highly inadequate over time due to inflation. Recognizing this, the Parliament passed the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2001 (Act 50 of 2001), which removed this upper limit. After this amendment, magistrates could award any sum as maintenance which they deemed just and proper based on the facts and circumstances of the case.