minor daughter becomes major during the pendency of proceedings under Section 125, the court may invoke Section 20. But if the application is filed after attaining majority, as in the present case, the claim cannot be decided in a summary proceeding, and the application has to be converted into a suit.

It said that if a minor daughter becomes major during the pendency of proceedings under Section 125, the court may invoke Section 20. But if the application is filed after attaining majority, as in the present case, the claim cannot be decided in a summary proceeding, and the application has to be converted into a suit.

Thus, finding an error in the Family Courts’ order, the bench remitted the case back to it, allowing the daughter to move an application for conversion of her petition into a suit under Section 20(3) of the 1956 Act.

The Court directed that such an application be considered and decided on the same day or within two weeks of filing.