Hyderabad senior wins house back after court cancels gift
Hyderabad: A 91-year-old retired teacher from Hyderabad has regained ownership of his house after the High Court upheld the cancellation of a gift deed he executed in favour of his grandson.
S Ramulu, who retired from government service years ago, purchased a house in Kothapet under Keesara mandal with his salary savings and other income. His son died eight years ago.
In 2018, Ramulu gifted the house to his elder grandson, Srinivas. A few months after receiving the property, Srinivas allegedly forced Ramulu, his mother and his brother out of the house.
Faced with eviction, Ramulu approached the Medchal district collector in 2021 under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. After multiple hearings, the collector cancelled the gift deed.
Srinivas challenged the order in the High Court. After nearly four years of proceedings, the court upheld the cancellation two months ago.
Subhead: Collector’s earlier order found valid by the court
During the hearing, Srinivas argued that the gift deed did not contain any clause requiring him to look after his grandfather. However, Justice Pulla Karthik cited recent Supreme Court rulings and said that even without such a clause, neglecting a senior citizen is sufficient grounds to revoke a gift.
The court observed that senior citizens cannot be left without support and confirmed the collector’s authority to cancel the gift deed in such circumstances.
Following the judgment, Ramulu has now requested the Medchal district collector to ensure that the house is vacated and restored to him as per the earlier order.
