https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=169897 The expression "mother" in Section 125(1)(d) of the Criminal Procedure Code is not defined, so it bears its ordinary meaning as the natural or female parent; a step-mother is legally distinct and is not automatically covered. Although Section 125 is to be construed liberally to prevent destitution, that approach cannot extend the clear statutory language. A childless step-mother may seek maintenance only in the limited situation recognised by the Court, where she is a widow or where her husband is incapable of maintaining her. On the facts stated, a step-mother with a living husband and natural born sons capable of support could not claim maintenance from the step-son. en-us Fri, 26 Apr 1996 00:00:00 +0530 Tue, 12 May 2015 12:19:40 +0530 TaxTMI RSS Generator https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=169897 The expression "mother" in Section 125(1)(d) of the Criminal Procedure Code is not defined, so it bears its ordinary meaning as the natural or female parent; a step-mother is legally distinct and is not automatically covered. Although Section 125 is to be construed liberally to prevent destitution, that approach cannot extend the clear statutory language. A childless step-mother may seek maintenance only in the limited situation recognised by the Court, where she is a widow or where her husband is incapable of maintaining her. On the facts stated, a step-mother with a living husband and natural born sons capable of support could not claim maintenance from the step-son. Case-Laws Indian Laws Fri, 26 Apr 1996 00:00:00 +0530 https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=169897