The Supreme Court recently upheld a daughter’s legally enforceable right to secure financial support for her education from her parents. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that parents could be compelled to provide necessary funds for their child’s education, within their financial capacity.
The ruling came in a matrimonial dispute where the daughter of an estranged couple, currently pursuing studies in Ireland, declined to accept ₹43 lakh provided by her father as part of her educational expenses. This amount was included in the total alimony paid to her mother.
The court noted, “As a daughter, she has an indefeasible and lawful right to seek financial support for her education. It is a fundamental right for her to pursue her academic goals, and her parents are duty-bound to support her within their financial means.”
Despite her refusal to retain the ₹43 lakh, citing personal dignity, the court held that the daughter was legally entitled to the amount. The father, who had provided the funds without any apparent financial hardship, demonstrated his capacity to assist her academic pursuits. The court declared that she was under no obligation to return the money to either parent and could use it as deemed appropriate.
The bench referred to a settlement agreement signed by the estranged couple and their daughter on November 28, 2024. As per the agreement, the husband agreed to pay ₹73 lakh—₹43 lakh for the daughter’s education and ₹30 lakh for the wife. Since the wife had already received her share, and the couple had been living separately for 26 years, the court granted a decree of divorce by mutual consent under Article 142 of the Constitution.
The court directed that neither party pursue further legal action against the other, and any pending cases be resolved per the settlement agreement. It concluded, “The parties shall have no future claims against each other and must abide by the terms of the settlement, which will form part of this order.”
