Thu Jan 09 14:38:00 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Affirms Daughter’s Right to Parental Funding for Education
**NEW DELHI** – The Supreme Court of India has ruled that children have a legally enforceable right to receive educational funding from their parents. This landmark decision came during a matrimonial dispute involving a daughter studying in Ireland who refused a Rs 43 lakh payment from her estranged father, intended for her education as part of a larger alimony settlement.
The court, in a January 2nd order, stated the daughter possesses an “indefeasible, legally enforceable, lawful, and legitimate right” to secure educational expenses from her parents, within their financial capabilities. The justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that the daughter’s fundamental right to education necessitates parental support.
The father, who had already spent the Rs 43 lakh, argued against the daughter’s claim. However, the court found his actions indicated sufficient financial means to support his daughter’s education. The court upheld the daughter’s right to retain the funds, ruling she need not return the money to either her mother or father.
The case also involved a divorce settlement between the parents, in which the father agreed to pay Rs 73 lakh – Rs 43 lakh for the daughter’s education and Rs 30 lakh for the estranged wife. With the wife having received her share and the couple separated for 26 years, the court granted a decree of divorce by mutual consent under Article 142 of the Constitution. The court further ordered both parties to abide by the settlement agreement, ceasing any further legal action against each other.
First Piper 