Can unemployed young adults claim maintenance from their parents? The court delivers a significant verdict.

Every parent hopes that once their child reaches adulthood, they will earn a good living and take care of themselves as well as their parents. But can an adult child expect maintenance from their parents if they are unemployed?

Every parent desires that their child, upon becoming an adult, secures a good job and supports themselves and their family. But can an adult son claim maintenance from his parents if he is unemployed? The Family Court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, recently addressed this question while delivering a verdict in such a case.

In its ruling, the court stated that an adult child can indeed file a petition seeking maintenance from their parents. However, to do so, they must fulfill the conditions prescribed by law.

What is the case about?

This case originates from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. A young man named Aman's parents had a dispute in 2006, which led to their divorce. Following the divorce, both parents remarried separate partners. The father, Zainul Haq, argued in court that the terms regarding his son's maintenance had already been settled in an agreement from the earlier case. He also stated that he had been covering his son's expenses.

The father contended that his son was an adult and educated. Furthermore, he argued that since his son worked at a shop filling out online forms, he was capable of supporting himself financially. Aman had filed his petition based on the circumstances of this situation.

What was the court's verdict?

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed the father's objection and admitted Aman's petition for a hearing. However, the court clarified that this did not mean an order for the payment of maintenance had been issued. In the upcoming hearing, Aman will have to prove that he is unable to support himself.

What does the law say?

Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita contains provisions regarding maintenance. In the case of an adult child, eligibility to receive a maintenance allowance depends on conditions stipulated by law. Therefore, merely being unemployed or an adult does not, in itself, guarantee the receipt of an allowance. However, the court has not yet delivered a verdict on this matter.