A private college, which stopped a 19-year-old girl from attending classes and writing examinations since she was married, was directed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to allow her to continue studies.
The court upheld a petition from the girl C Saraswathi from Srivaikundam Taluk of Thoothukudi district. She was studying BTech (IT) first year in Dr Sivanthi Adithanar College of Engineering in Tiruchendur.
The petitioner submitted that from May 7, 2013 she was prevented from attending the second semester classes based on a complaint from her father that she had got married without his consent. Further, she stated that as her father could not maintain the family, her parental aunt had assisted her in her education. Her aunt requested her to marry her son Murugaperumal. The petitioner accepted the proposal, and the marriage was solemnised on April 10, 2013 in the presence of relatives and elders of the family and registered on May 7, 2013.
On the behest of her father, the college did not allow her attend classes. The petitioner’s signature was obtained forcefully and TC was issued.
Hearing the plea, Justice N Kirubakaran said since the petitioner was a major she had the right to choose her life partner. Further the Judge said the action of the college was not acceptable and directed it to allow the petitioner to pursue her studies and write all the semester examinations.