Chennai girl lodges complaint against dad over UG course dispute

A girl from Chennai has filed a complaint against her father for not allowing her to pursue an undergraduate college course after completing her Class XII. She wants to study journalism or law, her father wants her to study B.Sc chemistry and choose the teaching profession.

Things crossed limits when the father refused to hand over her mark sheets and the original certificates needed to apply to the colleges. The girl saw the Childline number (1098) on the back of a textbook and asked for help on Tuesday. The Childline authorities asked the local police to investigate the matter.

The 17-year-old who lives in Iyyapanthangal in Chennai was one of the school toppers in Class X Board exams, but she only got 65% in Class 12, apparently, because she was bothered by a tiff between her parents during the exams.

"Though he was not on good terms with my mother, my father was very fond of me and was always interested in my academic career," the girl told. Days prior to the exam results were out; she shared about her journalism aspirations with her father. He forcefully opposed the idea, telling her it will not suit her and advised her to pursue a science course, which had many job opportunities, the girl told.

Soon after the results were out, her father left home. While leaving, he took along the girl's certificates so that she wouldn't act on her own.

"My mother is a housewife and has very little idea about college courses. Without much financial support, I'm struggling to even buy application forms. My friends have already got their admissions confirmed. I feel left out," she added.

A police officer from Sevvapet station told that they spoke to both the girl and her father. "He has agreed to return the certificates on Wednesday," the officer further added.