Hyderabad: In a significant observation, Telangana high court has said that daughters share equal responsibility in taking care of their elderly parents while also claiming rights over parental property.Justice B Vijaysen Reddy made the remarks while hearing a petition filed by a 66-year-old woman from Suryapet district, who alleged neglect by her son and sought action for non-compliance with official orders directing him to return her property. The petitioner, who is currently residing with her daughter, contended that authorities failed to implement a Dec 2025 order passed under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. She alleged that her son refused to return documents related to her house and land despite clear directions. During the hearing, Justice Reddy noted that the courts are flooded with petitions filed by elderly parents seeking to evict their sons and daughters-in-law from their property, without availing any available options for a compromise. “Every day there are at least two eviction petitions filed by parents. Eviction should be the last resort, but they are asking for eviction in the very first place,” the judge observed. The judge further pointed out who would take care of the elderly parents who have only daughters. “Daughters only would take care of them. Often daughters want property, but they do not want to maintain their parents,” the judge said.Although the revenue divisional officer, Kodad, had ordered police and administrative assistance, the petitioner said subsequent representations were not acted upon. Terming the inaction illegal and a violation of her rights, she approached the high court seeking enforcement of the original order. Directing district authorities in Suryapet to respond to the allegations, the judge adjourned the matter to April 15 for further hearing.
