Retd school teacher wins legal battle to regain property

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, April 8, 2015 : Stella D’Souza (83), a retired  school teacher from Vamanjoor in Mangaluru who had waged a legal battle against her sister-in-law  to regain her property which the latter had snatched from  her through foul means  has now won the battle. While moving the court, Stella has sought protection under  Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007.

Stella who is a spinster has been residing with her  sister Pauline Marveline D’Souza and had purchased a five cent land at Tiruvail village in 1996 along with her sister. After Pauline expired in 2008, Stella was the sole owner of the property. Meanwhile Juliana D’Souza, wife of Stella’s late brother  used to visit her on the pretext of taking care of her. She had even reportedly managed to convince  Stella that she would keep the property documents safe in the office of the sub-registrar. Stella who had then agreed to her later realised that Juliana had cheated her by executing a sale deed for Rs 3 lakh and getting the RTC of the property in her name.

 Stella moved  the Third JMFC in Mangaluru in 2013 citing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007. The Court has now ruled that  she was the real owner of the property and has directed Juliana to return all property documents.

Meanwhile, Stella  who is visibly pleased with the court ruling has however said she would withdraw the complaint, provided  she approaches her.

Human Rights Foundation, Udupi President Ravindranath Shanbagh  informed that as many as 392 cases pertaining to domestic violence, cheating to elders, property conflicts relating to elders  are registered  in the state. He also informed that 12  cases have been settled so far.