The Telangana High Court has provided significant relief to a cancer-stricken woman, Vanapatla Sugunakumari, whose husband has been missing for over 21 years. Despite her husband’s disappearance in 2004, Indian Bank had refused to release his retirement benefits or grant compassionate employment to their children. The bank’s decision was made despite police confirmation of his disappearance and a legal heir certificate obtained in 2012.
Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka heard the case and ruled that under the Indian Evidence Act, a person missing for over seven years is presumed dead legally. Taking into account the petitioner’s cancer condition and the prolonged hardship faced by her family, the court ordered Indian Bank to pay all pending dues within eight weeks. Additionally, the court directed the bank to grant a suitable job to one of her children based on their qualifications.
The court’s decision is a significant victory for the family, who have been struggling for over two decades. The petitioner’s husband was a bank officer, and the family was entitled to his retirement benefits. However, the bank’s refusal to release these benefits had caused significant hardship for the family.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 on the Director of Sainik Welfare for failing to act on the appeals submitted by the petitioner’s family. This fine is a reflection of the court’s displeasure with the inaction of the authorities and their failure to provide relief to the family.
The Telangana High Court’s decision is a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to providing justice and relief to those in need. The court’s ruling will provide much-needed financial support to the family and help them cope with the petitioner’s cancer treatment. The decision also highlights the importance of compassionate employment and the need for banks and other institutions to provide support to families in distress. Overall, the court’s decision is a significant step towards providing justice and relief to the family and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.