`wife' to include even those cases where a man and woman have been living together as husband and wife for a reasonably long period of time
We are of the opinion that a broad and expansive interpretation should be given to the term `wife' to include even those cases where a man and woman have been living together as husband and wife for a reasonably long period of time, and strict proof of marriage should not be a pre-condition for maintenance under Section 125 of the Cr.P.C, so as to fulfil the true spirit and essence of the beneficial provision of maintenance under Section
125.
Supreme Court of India
Chanmuniya vs Virendra Kumar Singh Kushwaha & ... on 7 October, 2010
Bench: G.S. Singhvi, Asok Kumar Ganguly
