While there is some force in the argument that a man should not be allowed to go free if a ditches a woman 'Partner'. However this is largely an urban problem where both partners are well educated and 'worldly wise. Their decision to stay together should be a well considered one. Under the circumstances for a woman to expect a 'maintenance to get best of both the worlds! This law is not justifiable .It amounts to having one's cake and eating it too! If a woman wants the status of a wife without the legal bond then should also accept the risks! In good old days many well to do rich had such relationships but ere honest enough to make provision for the livelihood of the woman as well as the prodgney. Incidentally in these days of equality of sexes and in the urban context when both partners are working and stay together-let us be blunt about it- for sexual gratification without thye risk of AIDS- there is no justification for granting the status of a wife to the female partner and making a legal provision for her maintenence.