JUDGMENT

Choong Yeow Choy JC:

Introduction

[1] The present appeal brings into focus important legislation that seeks to, amongst others, protect vulnerable parties in traditional family structures and the safeguarding of social welfare by preventing individuals from becoming destitute due to family breakdowns. This relevant piece of legislation is the Married Women and Children (Maintenance) Act 1950 .

[2] The Appellant (Plaintiff in the Magistrates' Court ) sought relief under s 3(1) and (3) of the aforementioned Act but the Appellant's claim was dismissed by the learned Magistrate with costs.

The Core Issues

[3] The central issue at hand is whether the learned Magistrate erred in law and/or in fact by dismissing the Appellant's claim.

[4] From this primary issue arise the following subsidiary questions:

- whether the Respondent (Defendant in the Magistrates' Court ) has neglected or refused to provide maintenance for the Appellant;

- whether the Appellant is unable to support herself financially; and

- whether this case justifies the Court making an order for the Respondent to pay a monthly allowance for the Appellant's maintenance.

[5] These issues are pivotal in determining the lega