ORDER :

1. This criminal petition is directed under Section 482 Cr.P.C., seeking to quash the proceedings in M.C.No.15 of 2013 on the file of Judge, Family Court, Khammam, wherein the petition was filed by respondent Nos.1 to 3 under Section 125 Cr.P.C. claiming maintenance against the petitioner, who is the father-in-law of respondent No.1.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Assistant Public Prosecutor for respondent No.4. None represented respondent Nos.1 to 3. Perused the material on record.

3. Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Cr.P.C.), Section 125 Cr.P.C. provides separate remedy by a summary procedure, authorizes the Judicial Magistrate of First Class to order under certain circumstances payment of maintenance to wife, legitimate, illegitimate minor children, father and mother who are unable to maintain themselves. Though these provisions are not strictly penal, yet they certainly entrust a duty, the default of which may lead to vagrancy.

4. The question that arises for consideration in the present case is, whether the daughter-in-law is entitled for maintenance under Section 125 Cr.P.C. from the father-in-law?

5. The daughter-in-law i.e. re