The Supreme Court of India is worried that family values are weakening. It said that more parents and children are fighting in court over money and property. The court warned that India might soon become a place where everyone lives alone instead of staying together as a family.

A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and S N Bhatti made these remarks while hearing a case involving a man and his parents. The parents wanted their son to leave their house, which they had purchased themselves. However, the court ruled that eviction should only be allowed if necessary to protect the parents.

‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and the meaning of family

The judges referred to the Indian belief of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means “the earth, as a whole, is one family.” They observed that in today’s society, even close family members are struggling to stay united. “The very concept of ‘family’ is being eroded, and we are on the brink of ‘one person, one family’,” the bench stated.

The court clarified that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act does not directly mention eviction. However, it can be done if it is necessary to ensure the safety of senior citizens. In this particular case, the judges ruled against the eviction because the son was already providing maintenance and care to his parents. Therefore, they found no reason to remove him from the house.

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