In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court has upheld the cancellation of a property registration originally settled in favour of a woman by her senior citizen mother through a deed. The court refused to interfere with the older woman's decision to cancel the deed as her daughter failed to fulfil the promise of providing her with a comfortable life.
Justice S.M. Subramaniam, while dismissing the petition filed by the daughter, emphasized that proper maintenance of senior citizens goes beyond just providing food and shelter. It must ensure that they lead a comfortable life, considering their living standards and family status.
The dispute arose when the daughter, named Suguna, challenged the order of the Udumalpet Revenue Divisional Officer, which cancelled the settlement deed registered in her favour by her mother. Suguna claimed that she had taken proper care of her mother and the cancellation was a result of threats from her brother.
However, the court noted that the competent authority, after conducting an adjudication, found that the senior citizen (the mother) was entitled to relief under the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007. The decision to cancel the settlement deed was based on the petitioner's false promise to her mother, which was later withdrawn.
The Madras High Court emphasized the importance of considering the needs of senior citizens in accordance with their living standards and family status. Merely providing food and shelter is insufficient to meet the objectives of the Senior Citizens Act, which seeks to ensure their welfare and comfort.
Justice Subramaniam highlighted the obligation of the Collector to ensure the welfare of senior citizens residing within their district, which justifies the revenue officials' intervention in the dispute between the mother and daughter. The court upheld the cancellation of the settlement deed based on the statement given by the aged woman, which led to the intervention by the revenue officials.
The ruling reinforces the significance of fulfilling promises made to elderly parents and emphasizes the responsibility of providing them with a comfortable life, in line with the provisions of the Senior Citizens Act. The judgment sets a precedent for similar cases and highlights the need to prioritize the welfare and well-being of senior citizens in society.
Source: Link
Picture Source :
