Delhi High Court Upholds Widow’s Rights in Property Dispute

The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of an 85-year-old widow, stating that a daughter and son-in-law cannot claim rights over her property without her consent.

The case was filed by Lajwanti Devi, a resident of Shastri Nagar, Delhi, who complained that her daughter and son-in-law had been occupying part of her house without permission. She had allowed them to stay there in 1985, but they refused to leave even after repeated requests.

The court confirmed that Devi is the legal owner of the house, as her late husband bought it in her name in 1966 to secure her financial future. The ruling stated that the daughter and son-in-law could stay only if the mother allowed it.

The court ordered them to vacate the house within six months and pay ₹10,000 per month as compensation, starting from 2014, when the case was filed. If they do not leave, they must continue paying ₹10,000 per month.

This judgment reinforces widows’ rights over their property and sets an important example for similar cases. It also highlights the legal protection available to widows facing property disputes.