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 Rs 15,000 per month and demanded Rs 5,000 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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