Supreme Court says Indian Families are Dividing, Not living together with love and harmony
The Supreme Court of India recently raised concerns about the growing disintegration of families in the country. Highlighting the importance of unity, the Court observed that while India follows the ancient philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the belief that the whole world is one family — maintaining harmony within immediate families has become increasingly difficult today.
This observation was made by a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and SVN Bhatti while hearing a case involving a family dispute in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The case was brought forward by 68-year-old Samtola Devi, who sought the eviction of her eldest son, Krishna Kumar, from their family home due to long-standing disagreements.
The Breakdown of Family Unity
The Court expressed concern over how the concept of family in India is weakening. It noted that society seems to be drifting toward a “one person, one family” scenario, where traditional family bonds are eroding due to frequent disputes and conflicts.
Background of the Case
Samtola Devi and her late husband, Kallu Mal, owned a house with three shops in Sultanpur. They had three sons and two daughters. Over time, disputes arose within the family, particularly with their eldest son, Krishna Kumar, who took over the family business.
In 2014, things took a serious turn when Kallu Mal accused Krishna Kumar of abusive behavior and sought help from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). By 2017, the couple had filed for financial maintenance, which was granted by the family court at ₹8,000 per month, to be paid equally by two sons, Krishna Kumar and Janardan.
Later, in 2019, the parents took legal steps to evict Krishna Kumar from the family home under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. However, the maintenance tribunal only ordered that Krishna Kumar should not occupy any part of the house without his parents’ permission but did not approve the eviction.
Legal Battle: High Court and Supreme Court Rulings
Unsatisfied with this order, the parents appealed to a higher tribunal, which ordered Krishna Kumar’s eviction. But later, the Allahabad High Court overturned this decision, allowing him to stay. During this time, Kallu Mal passed away, and his wife, Samtola Devi, continued the legal fight, eventually approaching the Supreme Court.
The key argument was that the house was her late husband’s self-acquired property, and Krishna Kumar had no legal right to live there. However, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision, ruling that Krishna Kumar could continue residing in the house.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The Court explained that the Senior Citizens Act does not specifically grant senior citizens the right to evict their children from properties unless there is proof of mistreatment. Since there was no evidence that Krishna Kumar had harassed or humiliated his parents, eviction was deemed unnecessary.
The Court further noted that Krishna Kumar, being a son, had an “implied license” to live in the family home unless he engaged in improper behavior, such as harassment or abuse. Therefore, the eviction order was not considered prudent.
Final Verdict
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the High Court’s order, allowing Krishna Kumar to remain in the house. It emphasized that eviction would only be justified if there were clear signs of mistreatment by Krishna Kumar toward his parents.
Key Takeaways from the Case
This case sheds light on the growing trend of family disputes in India and the challenges senior citizens face when dealing with conflicts involving their children. It also raises awareness about the legal provisions under the Senior Citizens Act and how the courts interpret these laws in cases involving family conflicts.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s concerns highlight a broader issue affecting Indian society — the gradual breakdown of joint families and the weakening of traditional family values. As family structures evolve, the importance of maintaining unity, mutual respect, and understanding within families becomes more crucial than ever.
