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04/09/2026

26/08/2026

Does Child Maintenance Automatically End at 18? | Chhattisgarh High Court Legal Update

Does a child’s right to maintenance automatically end upon attaining the age of 18?

The Chhattisgarh High Court has recently clarified that, in the case of a child suffering from a physical or mental abnormality or disability and unable to maintain themselves, attaining majority by itself does not automatically end the right to receive maintenance.

In Raghav Lahre v. Bharat Lahre, the Court considered a case involving a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Speech Disorder who required continued care and support.

The Court held that age alone cannot be the determining factor. The relevant consideration is whether, after attaining majority, the person is actually capable of maintaining themselves and earning a livelihood.

Accordingly, the Court set aside the condition that maintenance would automatically stop upon attaining majority, while also making clear that the continuation of maintenance depends upon the circumstances and evidence concerning the person's ability to maintain themselves.

Key Legal Awareness Point

18 years is not, in every case, an automatic cut-off for maintenance.

The legal position can depend upon disability, capacity for self-support, evidence, applicable law and the specific circumstances of the case.

Legal Awareness Disclaimer:
This post is shared solely for general legal awareness and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, solicitation, advertisement, or an opinion on any individual matter. Every legal matter depends upon its own facts, evidence and applicable law. No legal outcome should be inferred from this content.



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25/08/2026

Can You Claim Maintenance Again After Signing a Divorce Settlement? | Supreme Court Legal Update

Can a maintenance claim be revived after a divorce settlement has already been voluntarily signed?

In Reji Baby v. Subi Mary & Ors., decided by the Supreme Court on 24 August 2026, the Court examined whether a wife who had voluntarily relinquished monetary and maintenance claims through a settlement agreement could later revive those same claims through proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

The Court held that where the wife had voluntarily entered into the settlement, reaffirmed the waiver before the Family Court, and obtained a mutual-consent divorce on that basis, the same settled claims could not simply be revived through subsequent proceedings. The Court also noted that merely alleging coercion, without legally challenging the settlement or divorce decree, was not sufficient in the circumstances of the case.

However, the judgment contains an important distinction.

The adult daughter was not a party to the settlement agreement. Therefore, the Court clarified that her independent right to seek monetary relief was not waived and she remained free to pursue remedies available to her under law.

What this means

A divorce settlement can have significant legal consequences. Whether a claim can subsequently be raised depends on the terms of the settlement, the parties to it, the circumstances in which it was entered, subsequent events, and the applicable law.

This judgment should therefore not be understood as a blanket rule that maintenance can never be claimed after divorce or settlement.

Legal Awareness Disclaimer:
This post is shared solely for general legal awareness and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, solicitation, advertisement, or an opinion on any individual matter. Every legal matter depends upon its own facts, documents, evidence and applicable law. No legal outcome should be inferred from this content.



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15/08/2026

Independence Day 2026 | Freedom, Constitutional Values & the Rule of Law

On 15 August, India celebrates its Independence a reminder that freedom carries both rights and responsibilities.

As we honour the sacrifices that shaped our nation, Independence Day also offers an opportunity to reflect on the values that strengthen a democracy: constitutional rights, equality, justice, dignity and the rule of law.

The Constitution of India provides the framework through which these principles are protected, while an independent and fair justice system remains essential to preserving public confidence in the rule of law.

“Freedom is not just a right, but a responsibility.”

May we continue to uphold the principles of justice, constitutional values, equality and respect for the law as we build a stronger and more inclusive India.

15 August 2026 | Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳







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