Daughter Has Legitimate Right to Educational Expenses from Parents: SC

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Jan. The Supreme Court has underscored that a daughter holds an “indefeasible, legally enforceable, and legitimate right” to claim educational expenses from her parents, who are obligated to provide financial support within their means.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan made this observation in a matrimonial dispute where the estranged couple’s daughter, studying in Ireland, refused to accept ₹43 lakh provided by her father towards her academic expenses as part of a larger alimony settlement.

The court emphasized that the daughter is legally entitled to pursue her education and secure necessary financial assistance from her parents. “She, being the daughter, has a fundamental right to pursue her education, for which the parents could be compelled to provide necessary funds within the limit of their financial resources,” the bench stated in its January 2 order.

Despite her initial refusal to accept the amount, citing dignity, the court affirmed her legal right to retain the ₹43 lakh and utilize it as deemed fit. The bench observed that the father’s financial capacity was evident, as he had spent the money without compelling reasons, indicating his ability to support his daughter’s academic pursuits.

The case stemmed from a settlement agreement dated November 28, 2024, in which the father agreed to pay ₹73 lakh to his estranged wife and daughter. Of this amount, ₹43 lakh was allocated for the daughter’s education, while ₹30 lakh was meant for the wife. The court noted that the wife had received her share, and the couple had been living separately for the last 26 years.

In light of the settlement, the court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to grant a decree of divorce by mutual consent. It further directed that both parties should refrain from initiating any future claims or litigation against each other and ordered the closure of any pending cases in accordance with the settlement terms.

“The parties shall have no claim against each other in the future and shall abide by the terms and conditions of the settlement agreement, which shall form part of this order,” the bench concluded.