The Punjab and Haryana High Court in a landmark judgment has ruled that a woman, who gets compassionate appointment after the death of her husband, is legally bound to maintain her mother-in-law. The court has underlined the moral as well as legal obligation of individuals to maintain dependent in-laws under certain circumstances.This case came when the petitioner's mother-in-law claimed maintenance alleging that she was left distraught following her son's demise. The petitioner who had been given a compassionate job following her husband's death argued against this claim saying that she owed no liability towards providing financial support. However, the High Court held that the right of maintenance had vested in the mother-in-law under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956. It made clear that Section 19 of the Act casts a liability on a widow to maintain dependent in-laws, if she is so able. The compassionate job assigned owing to her husband's untimely death was part of such ability. The court observed that the essence of compassionate appointments is providing a post to the grieved family, and in particular to dependent parents, so that they may derive financial security. If such an endeavor fails, it would defeat the very objective of the compassionate scheme. This decision reiterates that it is legally and socially imperative for widows, especially those who are beneficiary of compassionate appointments, to look after their dependent in-laws with care and concern so that they may live harmoniously.