top of page

By:

C.S. Krishnamurthy

21 June 2025 at 2:15:51 pm

Parents Before Property

The Bombay High Court’s recent decision upholding the cancellation of a gift deed executed by elderly parents in favour of their son is more than a legal victory. It is a timely reminder that parenthood cannot be reduced to a property transaction. By affirming that parents may revoke a property transfer when children fail to honour their obligation of care and support, the Court has reinforced a principle that is both legal and moral. The verdict in the Ashwin Ramesh Soni v. Ramesh Bachaulal...

Parents Before Property

The Bombay High Court’s recent decision upholding the cancellation of a gift deed executed by elderly parents in favour of their son is more than a legal victory. It is a timely reminder that parenthood cannot be reduced to a property transaction. By affirming that parents may revoke a property transfer when children fail to honour their obligation of care and support, the Court has reinforced a principle that is both legal and moral. The verdict in the Ashwin Ramesh Soni v. Ramesh Bachaulal Soni & Ors., reinforces the objective of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The Court recognised that when parents transfer property with the legitimate expectation of being cared for, and that expectation is wilfully defeated, the law can restore justice. A gift founded on trust cannot survive when that trust is fundamentally breached. The judgement raises uncomfortable questions. What does it say about society when ageing parents must seek justice against their own children? Why should those who devoted a lifetime to raising families spend their twilight years proving that they deserve dignity? Have we begun to mistake inheritance for entitlement and affection for convenience? Changing Times These are not merely legal questions. They reflect the changing character of Indian families. India takes pride in its tradition of strong family bonds. Close-knit families, cherished traditions and an enduring culture of honouring parents have long defined our collective identity. Such images have long symbolised the country’s cultural strength. But growing reports of elder abuse present a sobering reality. Many parents experience neglect, emotional humiliation or isolation within homes they built. Some are confined to a single room after transferring property. Others are abandoned altogether. The emotional trauma often outweighs the financial loss. The ruling recognises what may be called an unwritten family contract. Parents spend decades sacrificing personal comforts to educate children, fund their ambitions, conduct weddings and build family assets. In return, they expect not luxury but companionship, care, respect and emotional security. By acknowledging that certain family transactions rest on mutual trust rather than legal formalities alone, the Court has reaffirmed that the law will protect vulnerable senior citizens when that trust is exploited. Reports frequently describe retired parents evicted from homes gifted to children, widowed mothers fighting prolonged legal battles for shelter, and elderly couples seeking police protection against their own offspring. Many such cases remain hidden because families fear social stigma more than personal suffering. Family Trust The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was enacted precisely because traditional family safeguards were proving inadequate. Section 23 empowers authorities to declare property transfers void when they are made on the understanding that the recipient will provide for the transferor's basic needs, but subsequently fails to do so. The verdict has given practical meaning to this safeguard by making it clear that the law will not remain a silent spectator when trust is betrayed. Some critics argue that legal intervention weakens family relationships. The opposite is true. Good laws exist not because every family fails but because some do. Just as traffic laws protect responsible drivers from reckless ones, laws safeguarding parents protect families from exploitation without diminishing genuine affection. But society also has responsibilities. Financial advisers should caution senior citizens against transferring valuable assets prematurely. In many situations, a well-drafted will offers greater protection than an outright gift deed. Where property is transferred during one's lifetime, expectations regarding care and maintenance should be clearly documented to minimise future disputes. Children should remember that caring for ageing parents is not charity. It is gratitude expressed through everyday actions. I recall meeting an elderly gentleman at a bank several years ago. He proudly showed me documents transferring his house to his only son and remarked with complete confidence, “Now I have no worries. My son will take care of everything.” His face reflected absolute trust. Thankfully, countless children justify such trust every day. But when that faith is broken, the emotional consequences can be devastating. Indian culture has long viewed caring for parents as a privilege, not a burden. Honouring parents goes beyond living together. A caring phone call, a visit during illness, financial support or shared moments can bring comfort, dignity and belonging. Loneliness often wounds seniors more deeply than disease. When parents must approach courts for protection from their own children, it is time for society to introspect. (The writer is a retired banker and author. He can be reached at krs1957@hotmail.com. Views personal.)

A New Arrival in Mumbai’s Cricket Horizon

Ayush Mhatre

A new wonder kid has arrived on Mumbai’s cricket scene. He is 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, a resident of Virar, 46 km from Mumbai.


The hard working and dedicated Ayush leaves his home at 4.15 am to catch 5 am local from Virar to reach the grounds in Mumbai where cricket matches and camps are run by numerous coaches. The wide network of Maidans is the real source of Mumbai’s cricket. From Vijay Merchant (Bharda High School, CST), Sunil Gavaskar (St. Xaviers), Dilip Vengsarkar (King George, Dadar), Sandeep Patil (Balmohan), Sachin Tendulkar (Shardashram) are all products of school cricket. Ayush Mhatre is a prodigious talent from IES V.N. Sule Guruji School, Dadar.


Mumbai is the nursery of Indian Cricket. Emerging talent specially batsmen are born and brought up from Mumbai. Vijay Merchant, Vijay Manjrekar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma are a few examples.


Ayush scored 176 runs in his third first- class match and was chosen as Man of the Match. Sachin Koli, a coach at V.N. Sule Guruji School, has been instrumental in shaping the teenager’s cricket career. He impressed the authorities of Virar’s Sainath Sports Club, where he played with senior boys.


Ayush scored big runs in Mumbai U-16 age group tournaments. So he was elevated to U-19 age group. Coach Dinesh Lad is very impressed with Ayush’s batting. Maharashtra Ranji Trophy team coach Sulakshan Kulkarni also appreciated his batting. He is exceptional talent.


Sachin Koli spotted Ayush in inter-school match at Matunga Gymkhana. His parents wanted to change Ayush’s school. Koli immediately got Ayush admitted in Sule Guruji School. Tanush Kotian, an emerging all-rounder is also the product of Sule Guruji School which has given Mumbai players like Dhawal Kulkarni, Bhavin Thakkar, Vineet Indulkar and Sanjay Manjrekar.


Ayush batted well in the opening Ranji Trophy against Baroda scoring 52 and 22 runs. At BKC in the Maharashtra Derby clash against arch rivals Maharashtra he opened with Pruthvi Shaw. Pruthvi and Hardik Tamore got out early but Ayush put on big partnership with Shreyas Iyer who also scored a century. There was a stamp of authority in Ayush’s three consecutive fours of Rajvardhan Hangagrekar. Two beautiful backfoot drives and one through the mid-wicket.


Ayush relished spinners hitting sixers off Satyajit Bachhav and Hitesh Walunj. With Skipper Ajinkya Rahane Ayush added 99 runs for the third wicket which put Mumbai’s innings on sound footing.


At the age of 17, the Virar lad is learning to build innings, hallmark of a great batsman. Mumbai Ranji Trophy Selection Committee Chairman Sanjay Patil supported Ayush and he passed with flying colors. He was picked for KSCA Trophy where he scored 172 against Gujrat and clinched his place in the Senior team. Mushir Khan got injured and selectors gave Ayush an opportunity in the Irani Cup match and then in the 90-year-old Ranji Trophy. Ayush has grabbed he opportunity with both hands.


The selectors have dropped Pruthvi Shaw from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team for the match against Tripura but Ayush Mhatre is going strong with his batting. He can score runs consistently and should play big knocks so he can be in the limelight at such a young age.

Comments

bottom of page