The Supreme Court of India has clarified that children who neglect their parents’ maintenance and care do not automatically have the right to inherit or enjoy their property. Citing the Parents and Senior Citizens (Maintenance and Welfare) Act, 2007, the court emphasized that tribunals have the authority to reclaim property if parents are being ignored or mistreated.
In a recent case, an elderly couple from Madhya Pradesh was ordered to return property to their son after they prevented him from entering the house. The verdict underlines the legal obligation of children to provide for and respect their parents, reinforcing the principle that care and support of elders are paramount.
The ruling serves as a strong warning across the country that neglecting elderly parents could have serious legal and financial consequences, ensuring that property rights are linked to the responsibility of looking after one’s parents.
