If wife files multiple cases in court (say 3 cases) - civil & criminal, say for DV, maintenance, etc. against 3 family members, then is anticipatory bail required for all 3 family members in all the 3 cases separately, or is taking anticipatory bail once (in 1 case) is enough ?
Because if for 1 member, if 25k is charged, then taking bail in 1 case is 75K. And if it is required for all 3 cases, then it'll be 75 * 3 = 2.25 lakhs.
For civil case and DV case anticipatory bail is not required.
For criminal case anticipatory bail is to be procured.
Also if I live in Chennai and wife files case in UP, can I file for anticipatory bail in Chennai only or I will have to apply for bail in UP court with a lawyer in UP ?
For a case filed in UP, you canot challenge the same in Chennai neither you can take AB in Chennai.
You have to face the trial in UP only. Please be aware that in UP there is no provision for AB.
Also can I file for anticipatory bail in Advance, on basis of legal letter (stating verbal abuse & dowry) from wife's advocate Threatening to file police case for DV & Maintenance case if money not paid immediately in 10 days, in anticipation that she may file it soon in UP ? (wife left for parent's place 4 years earlier).
No you cannot obtain AB for a case that is yet to be filed.
Then - wife's parents were living in Kanpur, UP, before marriage and also now; the marriage took place in Lucknow, UP, and both husband & wife were working in Chennai before marriage & also after marriage. wife left husband with 2 small kids since last 4 yrs to live with her parents in Kanpur and probably doing job also. now they have sent lawyer's notice from Kanpur for maintenance & threat for DV if money not paid. Can she file case in Kanpur only, or it has to be in Lucknow ?
This cannot be predicted, she may file wherever it is convenient to her.
Then - my mother is old & a widow, sister is a divorcee & wife is demanding to live separately with 2 small kids. What should I do as I do not want to separate. What does the law say in such matters ?
You can refuse to set up a separate house as per her demand and the law cannot force you to live with her separately away from your parents house.
Lastly - is there any way of getting children (1 or both children - aged 5 & 3 years currently) back from wife under any law section (1) NOW or (2) some time later ? both husband & wife are educated and working with almost similar salary of 40 K per month.
You can file a child custody case to take custody of your children.