Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 18: The Senior Citizens Maintenance Tribunal in Kundapura has declared a property donation deed signed by 80-year-old Lawrence D’Souza, a resident of Baikady, Brahmavar, as invalid. Dr Ravindranath Shanbhag, president of the Human Rights Protection Committee Udupi, confirmed the tribunal's decision.
Speaking at a press meet on Saturday, January 18, Dr Shanbhag said, “The tribunal has directed authorities to restore the property in Lawrence’s name in the Panchayat records. The Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi, has played a key role in assisting D’Souza and his wife Montin in their fight for justice.”
Lawrence D’Souza, a retired lorry and bus driver, was allotted a housing plot in Baikady by the Karnataka government in 1997. Despite limited formal education, Lawrence ensured that his four children received quality education, and all of them are now married and settled. He built a small house on the plot and lived there with his wife Montin.
In 2021, Montin became bedridden due to age-related health issues, prompting their second daughter, Priscilla, to move in and care for them. Over time, Priscilla allegedly pressured her parents to transfer the property into her name.
In 2023, Lawrence’s health deteriorated due to diabetes and high blood pressure, and he was hospitalized. Amid these health challenges, Priscilla reportedly intensified her demands for the property. Under pressure, Lawrence agreed to transfer the property to her name via a conditional will. However, unbeknownst to him, Priscilla allegedly altered the agreement to a donation deed during registration.
After discovering the truth, Lawrence and Montin sought assistance from the Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi, which guided them in filing a complaint with the Senior Citizens Maintenance Tribunal.
The tribunal, chaired by K Mahesh Chandra, ruled that Priscilla violated the conditions of the donation deed and annulled it. The property was ordered to be reinstated in Lawrence’s name. Additionally, the tribunal directed all four children to contribute Rs 1,000 each per month for their parents’ maintenance.
Despite the ruling, Lawrence expressed concern that the monthly maintenance of Rs 4,000 is insufficient to cover their medical expenses, which exceed Rs 8,000. “I am forced to work as an auto-rickshaw driver despite my age to make ends meet. We need at least Rs 10,000 per month to survive,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence also claimed that Priscilla had retained important property documents and sought help from authorities to retrieve them.
Dr Ravindranath Shanbhag added, “We will continue to support the D’Souzas until they receive complete justice and financial stability. The district administration must ensure they receive adequate support.”