Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Dec 19: The Kundapur sub-divisional officer’s court has directed Chaitra Kundapura not to subject her father to any form of physical or mental harassment and to allow him to reside peacefully in his own house without fear.

Balkrishna Naik (71) of Chikkansal Road in Kundapur taluk had approached the tribunal seeking relief under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

In his complaint, Balkrishna Naik stated that his wife and daughter Chaitra had pressured him to transfer the house documents in their names. When he refused, Chaitra, along with her mother and associates, allegedly threatened to kill him if he exposed her alleged illegal activities.

Fearing for his life, Balkrishna Naik reportedly took up work at a private hotel in Mangaluru and would occasionally visit his hometown to meet his elder daughter. It was further alleged that Chaitra and her mother were presently preventing him from entering his own house and subjecting him to ill-treatment.

The complaint also stated that Chaitra had allegedly defamed Balkrishna Naik in public without cause, following which he lodged a complaint against her at the Kundapur police station. In his petition, he sought permission to reside in his house, protection to his life and property from Chaitra, and payment of rental income derived from the concerned property.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Kundapur assistant commissioner Rashmi S R allowed the petition and directed Chaitra not to cause any physical or mental harassment to Balkrishna Naik and to ensure that he is permitted to live in his house without fear.

Invoking Rule 21 of the 2009 Rules, the court also instructed the Kundapur police inspector to take necessary steps as per law to provide protection to Balkrishna Naik’s life and property. Advocate K C Shetty, Kundapur, appeared on behalf of the petitioner.