In Indian society, the rights of married women have always been a subject of debate. The situation becomes even more complicated when it comes to the rights of a daughter-in-law in her marital home. In this context, the Supreme Court recently delivered a significant judgment, which could prove to be a milestone in the realm of women’s rights. In this ruling, the Court made it clear that in-laws cannot deny a daughter-in-law the right to live in the shared household.
Supreme Court Overturns High Court’s Decision
A woman had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against a controversial decision by the Karnataka High Court. The High Court had ordered the woman to vacate her in-laws’ shared household. The reasoning provided by the High Court was that the responsibility for providing shelter to the daughter-in-law rested with her husband, not her in-laws. In this case, the in-laws had sought relief under the Senior Citizens Act, 2007, asking the court to evict their daughter-in-law from their home in Bengaluru.
Clear Stand by the Supreme Court
During the hearing of the case, the Supreme Court completely dismissed the High Court’s verdict. The Court made it clear that no daughter-in-law could be evicted from the shared household under the Senior Citizens Act. The Supreme Court explained that while the law was created to protect senior citizens from destitution, it should not be misused to infringe upon a woman’s right to reside in the household.
Right to Reside in the Shared Household
In its ruling, the Supreme Court clarified that a daughter-in-law has an undeniable right to reside in her in-laws’ shared household. This right cannot be taken away under any circumstances, whether under the Senior Citizens Act or any other law. The Court emphasized that protecting women’s right to reside is a collective responsibility of society.
Rights in Different Types of Property
Along with the ruling, it is important to understand how a daughter-in-law’s rights are determined in various types of property. A daughter-in-law cannot claim direct ownership of her in-laws’ self-acquired property. In such cases, the property owner’s wishes take precedence. However, the situation is different when it comes to shared property, where the daughter-in-law’s rights are safeguarded.
Special Rights in Ancestral Property
If there is ancestral property in the marital home, a daughter-in-law’s rights can be established in two ways. First, if her husband transfers his share of the property to her name. Second, if the husband passes away, the daughter-in-law may inherit the property. However, she cannot directly demand a share in the in-laws’ property. This ruling is a positive step for women’s rights and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for general informational purposes. Before making any legal decisions, it is advisable to consult a qualified lawyer. Legal provisions can change over time, and individual cases may have unique circumstances.
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