Karnataka High Court Allows Wife to Access Bank Accounts of Husband in Coma
| ➡️ Get instant news updates on Whatsapp. Click here to join our Whatsapp Group. |
In an important decision, the Karnataka High Court has allowed the wife of a man who is in a coma to operate his bank accounts. This ruling ensures she can pay for his medical treatment and take care of the family’s day-to-day expenses. The order was passed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna on April 29, 2024, and was made public recently.
Man Diagnosed with Serious Illness and Unable to Sign
The case involves a man who has been suffering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder. He has been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital since June 23, 2024. As his condition worsened, doctors confirmed that he would need permanent ventilator support and could no longer write or sign documents.
Wife’s Struggle to Get Access to Bank Accounts
His wife approached the State Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank where he held accounts, hoping to withdraw money to cover his treatment costs and family needs. Despite providing the necessary details like account numbers, she was not allowed to access the funds. Left with no other choice, she filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court.
Banks Required Court Order
While the state government did not object to her request, the banks stated they could only allow her to operate the accounts if the court passed a formal order.
Court Recognizes Family’s Financial Crisis
Justice Nagaprasanna, acknowledging the family’s financial struggles, noted that the family had been unable to meet basic expenses for the last nine months because no money could be withdrawn from the man’s bank accounts—even though one of them held his pension. The court said that the wife is not a stranger to the account holder and should be allowed to manage the accounts during this difficult time.
Court Appoints Wife as Guardian
The court officially appointed the wife as the guardian of her husband’s bank accounts and instructed the banks not to delay in granting her access. The High Court referred to similar past rulings by the Kerala High Court and Allahabad High Court, especially the case of Uma Mittal vs Union of India, where a wife was appointed guardian to manage her comatose husband’s finances.
A Humanitarian Ruling for Families in Crisis
This ruling is a major relief for families facing medical emergencies, especially when the main earning member is unable to manage their financial affairs. The court’s decision highlights the need for compassion and practical support in such situations.
