Pyla Mutyalamma @ Satyavathi vs Pyla Suri Demudu & Anr

The Supreme Court ruled that a second wife, whose marriage is void due to the husband's existing marriage, is not entitled to maintenance under Section 125 Cr.P.C. The court emphasized that while the law presumes in favor of marriage, strict proof of the prior marriage is required when the husband claims the second wife is a kept mistress. The court overturned the High Court's decision that had set aside the Family Court's maintenance order, reinstating the appellant's right to maintenance based on the presumption of marriage despite the husband's claims.