Court orders Rs. 46.26 lakh payment for daughters' MD and B.Tech courses, emphasizing women's educational rights.
In a significant judgment reinforcing the rights of women to education, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore Bench, presided over by Mr. Gajendra Singh, J., has mandated a father to pay a substantial amount for the higher education of his daughters. The court's decision came in response to a criminal revision petition filed by Smt. Savita and others against Deepak, under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, concerning maintenance obligations.
The court found that while the Principal Judge of the Family Court in Mandsaur had previously awarded maintenance to the wife and minor daughters, it had failed to account for the educational expenses for the daughters' higher studies. Highlighting the necessity of women empowerment through practical implementation, the court emphasized that a father with sufficient financial means should not deprive his daughters of educational opportunities.
The daughters, Tanisha and Tanvi, are currently pursuing MD at Kyrgyz State Medical Academy and B.Tech at Manipal University Jaipur, respectively. The court directed Deepak to pay Rs. 46,26,200/- within four months to cover their educational expenses. This sum includes Rs. 26,69,600/- for Tanisha's medical studies and Rs. 19,56,600/- for Tanvi's engineering course. Failure to comply within the stipulated period would result in an interest charge of 6% per annum on the unpaid amount.
The decision underscores the legal obligation of parents to support their children's educational pursuits, especially daughters, and aligns with the broader goal of women empowerment. The court's ruling is expected to set a precedent for similar cases where educational expenses are contested under maintenance claims.
Bottom line:-
Maintenance under Section 125 Cr.P.C. - Father is obligated to provide educational expenses for children pursuing higher education, especially daughters - Expenses for education of daughters must be taken into account by the Court while deciding maintenance.
Statutory provision(s): Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973
Savita v. Deepak, (Madhya Pradesh)(Indore) : Law Finder Doc id # 2918721
