Told to pay more than brother for mom's care, man moves HC
Ahmedabad: Reminiscent of the movie "Baghban", a dispute over caring for elderly parents reached the
Gujarat high court
where a son's mathematical approach to filial duty collided with judicial wisdom.
A govt schoolteacher challenged his obligation to pay more for his elderly mother's maintenance than his younger brother.
He found it unfair that the district authorities had ordered him to pay Rs 7,000 as monthly maintenance to his mother whereas his sibling, who had an equal share in the family's 'assets', was required to pay only Rs 3,000. His contention: Since the 'assets' had been equally distributed between them, the 'liabilities' must also be equally shared.However, the court showed him the door, saying paying a couple of thousands more to an aged mother should not be so troublesome for a son for it to become an "ego issue". The two brothers living in Aravalli district entered into an MoU in the presence of their family members. By this agreement, the assets of their father were divided equally and the liabilities too — the elder brother would look after the father, whereas the mother would live with the younger one, mirroring the heart-wrenching division of filial obligations as portrayed in "Baghban".After their father passed away, their 79-year-old mother submitted an application to the additional collector and sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) under the provisions of the
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act
, 2007, seeking Rs 40,000 as monthly maintenance from her two sons and Rs 2 lakh towards expenditure for her knee replacement surgery.
Operation Sindoor
PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak
India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan
Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list
She stated that her elder son was a govt schoolteacher and therefore had income that supplemented his earnings from agriculture.On Sep 17, 2024, the SDM ordered the woman's elder son to pay her Rs 7,000 and the younger one to pay Rs 3,000 per month. Both brothers were directed to share the medical expenses of the mother equally.The elder son unsuccessfully appealed before the district collector.
This brought him to the HC, where his counsel contended that the authorities passed the orders without giving any reasoning and that the liabilities should have been fixed on both sons equally. The maintenance order should be quashed because it was unfair. The mother highlighted only the petitioner's income, but she did not say anything about his brother's income, he submitted.However, Justice Mayee pointed out from the authorities' order that the petitioner is a govt schoolteacher and earns from the agricultural land as well, but he has not been able to establish that his younger brother had any extra income other than from agriculture. "No infirmity can be attached to the said reasoning of the impugned orders. The impugned orders are just and proper," the HC order reads.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
24-hr waterhole wildlife census begins today across state
Jaipur: Rajasthan's forest department will conduct its annual 24-hour waterhole wildlife census across all forest areas, except in the state's tiger reserves, starting 8am Wednesday. Chief wildlife warden Shikha Mehra has issued directives for assessment of leopard populations and other wild animals. Preparations, including the setting up of machans (observation towers), have been completed in protected areas such as Jhalana and Amagarh. The annual exercise involves forest staff, nature enthusiasts, and conservation organisations, who will observe and document wildlife visiting waterholes. Originally scheduled a month ago, the census was postponed due to the Indo-Pak conflict. A forest official said, "The census will begin at 8am and run for 24 hours. Volunteers will record the number and species of animals visiting each waterhole. Since all animals require water at least once in 24 hours, this method ensures comprehensive coverage and helps determine wildlife density in specific areas." TNN
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
1,200 people participate in Ambala integrity run
Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding, Kharga Corps on Sunday flagged off the 'Ambala Integrity Run' from Kharga Stadium in Ambala Cantonment, organised by Olive Green International School. The run honoured the Indian Armed Forces' commitment and celebrated the success of Operation Sindoor. The event drew participation of 1,200 from serving soldiers, veterans and locals, including schoolchildren, showcasing unity and solidarity. This collective effort aims to inspire the younger generation. The run reflects the citizens' gratitude towards the dedication and service of armed forces'.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
GU administration bans ‘animal feeding' & ‘vlogging' on campus
Guwahati: A directive from Gauhati University's administration has drawn criticism, particularly regarding its prohibition on animal feeding within the campus. The notice also lists bans on vlog shooting, videography, and some outdoor performances on university campus. After a picture of the notice board placed at a university entrance went viral on social media , GU administration on Sunday asked the community to avoid misinterpreting these rules, while explaining their context and purpose. "Perhaps this was the only thing left for the Gauhati University administration to do in the name of administrative reform. The university administration has clearly stated on a signboard at the entrance of Gauhati University — No feeding of animals," All Assam Students' Union (Aasu) president Utpal Sarma wrote on 'X'. Aasu president said public educational institutions have administrative buildings where administrators work, emphasising that they should not see themselves as authority figures instead of administrators. The university administration provided clarification regarding animal welfare concerns on Sunday. They explained that outsiders feeding items like bananas to monkeys leads to aggressive behaviour and disturbances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Didn't Anyone Tell You About This Power Saver? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo "The restriction specifically applies to feeding wild animals, such as monkeys, which can pose significant safety and health risks to residents," GU registrar Prof Utpal Sarma said in a statement. "Feeding monkeys, a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, is also strictly prohibited by law," he added. Prof Sarma said while Hostel Rule 2017 restricts animal feeding within hostel premises, residents may keep domesticated pets. Many faculty and staff members care for pets on campus. The vice chancellor's residence includes a stray dog rehabilitation facility, where regular vaccinations and care is provided under the personal supervision of the VC. GU released a statement on Sunday explaining that the notice was issued before the 32nd Convocation, scheduled for Apr 25, 2025, where President Droupadi Murmu was expected as chief guest. The university implemented strict security measures in accordance to directives from state and national agencies due to the anticipated presence of dignitaries. The measures included restricting campus entry to those with valid university identification or passes, prohibiting open-air performances, and restricting video shooting. Despite the President's visit being postponed due to the Pahalgam incident, security protocols remain active, officials said. "Due to Operation Sindoor, a sensitive operation necessitating continued vigilance and restricted access, these restrictions are not arbitrary but are in full accordance with national security directives and govt protocols governing high-profile visits and sensitive operations," Prof Sarma stated. The video shooting and vlogging restrictions were clarified as applying only to unauthorised commercial filming and vlogging. The administration has requested understanding from students, staff, and the community regarding these measures, emphasising their "necessity for maintaining a safe learning environment".
