High Court Extends Maintenance Rights to Unmarried Adult Daughters
The Punjab and Haryana High Court delivered a landmark judgment on July 8, 2025, granting unmarried adult daughters the right to claim maintenance from their parents. This significant ruling applies under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, irrespective of any physical or mental incapacitation.
The court’s decision hinges on the concurrent jurisdiction of Family Courts. These courts handle cases under both the CrPC 125 and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act. This allows unmarried adult daughters to seek maintenance within the existing legal framework.
The recent amendment to the Hindu law, removing the term “minor,” further strengthens this ruling. This paves the way for a more inclusive interpretation of maintenance rights for adult daughters.
This judgment has far-reaching implications for women’s rights in India. It provides a crucial legal recourse for adult daughters facing financial hardship, potentially impacting millions of families across the nation and setting a vital precedent for future cases.
