Rajiv Roy, J.—Heard the parties.

2. The two appeals, one filed by the Union of India (LPA No. 1114 of 2023) and the other by Lt. Col. Sandeep Kumar (LPA No. 873 of 2023) arises out of the judgment and order dated 08.05.2023 passed in C.W.J.C. No. 16821 of 2021 by which the learned Single Judge has been pleased to allow the writ petition preferred by the respondent-writ petitioner, Smriti Verma.

3. The matrix of facts giving rise to the present appeals is/are as follows:—

4. The respondent no.6-petitioner (in LPA No. 873 of 2023), Smriti Verma tied her nuptial knots with the appellant herein (Lt. Col. Sandeep Kumar), then a Major serving with the Indian Army on 19.11.2013. She claims to have been subsequently ousted from her matrimonial house by her husband/in-laws within a year, on 19.06.2014.

5 As she had no other source of income, her parents being contractual Panchayat Teachers, she approached the Commanding Officer, 196 Field Regiment, C/o- 56 APO for grant of maintenance. Subsequently, on 13.07.2015, the respondents issued show cause notice on the appellant (Lt. Col. Sandeep Kumar).

6. The General Officer, Commanding in Chief, Western Command thereafter exercising his power conferr