RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHAL vs VEENA KAUSHAL & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is designed to provide social justice, particularly for women and children, and should be interpreted with a focus on social relevance as mandated by Article 15(3) and Article 39 of the Constitution. The Court clarified that each claimant for maintenance is entitled to a maximum of Rs. 500, and the Magistrate's award of Rs. 1000 for a mother and her children collectively was within his jurisdiction. The Court also ruled that a divorce does not terminate the right to maintenance, which continues unless the parties reach an agreement on the matter.