Can The Wife Approach The Police For Enforcing A Maintenance Order?

A maintenance order issued under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) or under other relevant personal laws is meant to ensure that the dependent spouse receives financial support from the paying spouse. While the maintenance order is a legal directive, enforcement of the order, especially when the paying party (usually the husband) fails to comply, requires specific legal measures. In India, while the wife cannot directly approach the police to execute a maintenance order, she can request the court to initiate enforcement proceedings. The police may become involved if the court orders the arrest of the defaulter or issues a warrant for their detention for non-compliance. Thus, the role of the police is limited to assisting in the execution of court orders rather than directly enforcing maintenance orders.

Legal Framework and Court Approach

Role of Police in Maintenance Enforcement:

Under Section 125 CrPC, if a husband fails to comply with a maintenance order, the wife can approach the court for enforcement of the order. The court has the power to issue arrest warrants, and the police are involved only if the court orders the arrest of the defaulter. The police can execute the arrest warrant but are not responsible for enforcing the payment of maintenance directly.

Execution of Maintenance Orders:

If the husband does not pay the maintenance, the wife must file an execution petition in the court that passed the order. The court can then take coercive measures such as issuing a warrant for arrest, attaching property, or garnishing wages. Once a warrant for arrest is issued, the police can arrest the defaulter and bring them to court.

Arrest as a Last Resort:

The wife can request the court to issue a non-bailable arrest warrant for the husband if he consistently refuses to pay the maintenance. Police involvement occurs at this stage to arrest the defaulter and ensure they appear in court.

Filing a Complaint for Non-Compliance:

While the wife cannot approach the police directly for non-payment of maintenance, she can file a complaint for non-compliance of the court order. The court then decides whether to initiate execution proceedings and issue arrest warrants. The police are then called upon to enforce the arrest if necessary.

Contempt of Court:

In cases of persistent non-compliance, the wife may also approach the court for contempt of court proceedings. If found guilty, the defaulter could face imprisonment, and the police would be involved in enforcing the court's decision.

Practical Advice

• First, approach the court for execution proceedings if the maintenance order is not being complied with.
• Request the court to issue an arrest warrant if the defaulter refuses to pay maintenance.
• The police can be involved only after the court has issued an arrest warrant or other coercive orders.
• Maintain proper records of missed payments and failed attempts to enforce the order.
• Consult with an experienced lawyer to explore additional legal options like contempt proceedings if necessary.

Example:

A wife is awarded monthly maintenance by the family court, but her estranged husband refuses to pay. After several months of non-payment, she approaches the court and files an execution petition. The court issues a non-bailable arrest warrant against the husband for failure to comply with the maintenance order. The police are notified and arrest the husband. Upon his appearance in court, the husband is compelled to pay the outstanding maintenance and regularize future payments. This case demonstrates that while the wife cannot directly approach the police, the court plays a central role in directing enforcement actions, with the police assisting once a warrant is issued.