Federal Constitutional Court rejects inheritance claim by children of predeceased brother

On September 25, 2026, a court in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district handed down a death sentence to Srikanta Roy, convicted of murdering his wife Soma Roy in January 2026. The judge, Biplab Roy, deemed the crime "rarest of rare" and emphasized the gravity of the act. However, the judge also highlighted that under Indian law, the children of a convicted parent have an absolute right to education, irrespective of their parents' criminal status.

Taking this into consideration, the court directed the Jalpaiguri District Magistrate to ensure the education and well-being of Roy's two minor children. The District Magistrate was tasked with arranging for the minors to continue their studies in the appropriate classes at a school with hostel facilities, with the State covering all expenses for food, lodging, and education.

The court's order, issued on September 24, 2026, emphasized that the responsibility would not end when the minors turn 14 years old, but would continue until they reach the age of 21. The State would also take care of their physical and mental health throughout this period.