Contribution of parents

(1) The competent authority, which makes an order for the detention of a neglected child in a children’s home or a juvenile offender in a certified school or for the commital of a neglected child or juvenile offender to the care of a relative or other fit person, may make an order on the parent or other person liable to maintain the child, to contribute towards his maintenance, if he is able to do so, in the prescribed manner. (2) The competent authority before making any order under sub-section (1) shall, inquire into the circumstances of the parent or other person liable to maintain the child and shall record evidence if any in the presence of the parent or such other person, as the case may be. (3) Any order under this section may be varied by the competent authority on an application made to it by the party liable or otherwise. (4) The person liable to maintain a child shall for the purposes of sub-section (1) include in the case of illegitimacy his putative father: Provided that where the child is illegitimate and an order for his maintenance has been made under sections 125 and 126 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the competent authority shall not ordinarily make an order for contribution against the putative father but may order the whole or any part of the payments accruing due under the said order for maintenance to such person or persons as may be named, to be applied by him or them, as the case may be, towards the maintenance of the child.