51. Maintenance of wife

A married woman may, by application to the Court, obtain an order against her husband for the payment from time to time of her maintenance and the provision of necessary clothing and suitable lodging in accordance with the Muslim law.

A woman who has been divorced may, by application to the Court, obtain an order against her former husband for the payment from time to time of her maintenance and the provision of necessary clothing and suitable lodging for the period of her iddah.

A woman who has been divorced and who is not or has ceased to be entitled to an order for maintenance under subsection (2) may apply to the Court and the Court may, if satisfied that it is just and proper to do so in view of all the circumstances of the case, make an order against the former husband for the payment by him of such sums for such period as the Court considers fit.

The Court may vary or rescind any order made under this section on the application of the person in whose favour or against whom the order was made where it is satisfied that the order was based on any misrepresentation or mistake of fact or where there has been any material change in the circumstances, or for other good cause being shown to the satisfaction of the Court.

Any person who fails to comply with an order of the Court made under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.