Kochi: A Christian unmarried woman is not entitled to maintenance from her father under the faith’s personal laws, the Kerala High Court has ruled.

Unlike the Muslim personal laws and the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA), there is no provision under the Christian personal laws for such payment, the Court held. ADVERTISEMENT

Justice Dr Kauser Edappagath was hearing a petition filed by a 65-year-old Christian man challenging a family court order, directing him to pay monthly maintenance of Rs 20,000 to his wife, who is living separately, and Rs 10,000 to his 27-year-old unmarried daughter.

It was argued by the petitioner that his daughter was a major at the time of filing the petition and was not entitled to maintenance. He also claimed that his wife was living separately ‘after

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