Delhi High Court Grants Rights to In-Laws Against Daughters-in-Law

Significant Ruling from the High Court

High Court Order: It is often heard that daughters-in-law evict their in-laws from their homes. Occasionally, reports emerge of daily disputes between daughters-in-law and their parents-in-law. In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has provided significant relief to elderly parents, granting them rights that prevent their daughters-in-law from evicting them. However, if the in-laws wish, they can remove the daughter-in-law if she causes disturbances.

The court clarified that under the Domestic Violence Act, a daughter-in-law does not have the right to reside in a joint family home. The elderly in-laws can evict her if they are entitled to live peacefully.

Details of the High Court's Decision

What is the New High Court Ruling?

Justice Yogesh Khanna of the Delhi High Court heard an appeal filed by a daughter-in-law against a lower court's order that denied her the right to stay in her in-laws' home. He stated that in a joint family scenario, the property owners have the right to remove their daughter-in-law from their property.

He further mentioned that it would be appropriate for the petitioner to be provided with alternative accommodation as long as her marriage continues. The judge noted that the in-laws were aged 74 and 69, respectively, and they deserve the right to live peacefully without being affected by marital discord between their son and daughter-in-law.

The ruling stated, 'In my opinion, the relationship between both parties is strained, and it would be inappropriate for the elderly in-laws to live with the petitioner at this stage of their lives.' The judge concluded, 'The elderly couple will remain in their home, but if the son and daughter-in-law are not comfortable, they can choose to live elsewhere.' Now, the daughter-in-law cannot evict her in-laws from the house.