HIV+ Pune man drags father to court over maintenance

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HIV+ Pune man drags father to court over maintenance

Published: Thursday, Nov 18, 2010,

By Chaitraly Deshmukh | Place: Pune

A 40-year-old man suffering from AIDS has dragged his father to the court for

disowning him, his wife and two children. Chandu (name changed) recently filed a

case of maintenance against his parents in the city family court.

Chandu's wife and elder son (12) are also suffering from the dreaded disease. He

presently sells vegetables from door to door to eke out a living for himself and

his family.

Chandu alleged that his father (58), who works with the Indian Air Force as a

peon, earned Rs15,000 per month and demanded Rs5,000 per month as maintenance

for his family. Chandu also wants ownership of a house in the name of his mother

in Mangalwar Peth.

Chandu alleged that his father was restraining him from staying in the house.

Chandu, who was married in 1995, recalled, " Some time after marriage I was

infected with HIV during a blood transfusion. I immediately carried out tests on

my wife and my elder son. I was shattered when the reports confirmed that they

were also infected with the virus. "

He informed his parents and siblings about the tragedy. " Instead of standing by

us they deprived me and my children of the inheritance, " Chandu claimed. The

couple and the two children were treated as untouchables and slowly they were

isolated in a room. " We were not even allowed to use the toilets and kitchen

utensils, " Chandu said.

In 2005 Chandu's brother packed the hapless family's belongings and threw them

out of the house. " I had no idea where to go and what to do. I approached the

police, but they were helpless. Till now I have run from pillar to post seeking

shelter. I am not keeping well these days and my sons and wife are still in

trauma. We stay in a shanty in Swargate area, " he said.

Chandu's repeated pleas to his parents have not made any impact on them. It was

city lawyer Aseem Sarode who came forward to lend a helping hand to Chandu and

his family. Sarode filed a case in August this year under the relevant sections

125 and 126 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which comprises maintenance.

Sarode argued before the court that considering the sensitivity of the matter

and the issues related to right to privacy, proceedings may kindly be held

in-camera. The court has issued a notification to his parents and asked them to

file their version.

When DNA contacted Chandu's parents, they blamed Chandu's wife for the mess

their son has landed in. " He has got AIDS due to his wife. He has destroyed his

own future. We are ready to take care of his younger son, who is not infected

with the virus. Chandu is cooking up stories just to harass us in our old age

and grab our property, " they said.

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