Woman Loses Suit Against Mum For Evicting Her After Living Under Parents' Roof For 27 Years

Judge Says Evidence Did Not Support Claim Of 'Arrangement' With Parents, Family Firm

- Selina Lum

A woman who had lived under her parents' roof for 27 years was evicted by her elderly mother in 2021.

Madam Rita Kishinchand Bhojwani, 62, then sued her mother Maya Kishinchand, 91, claiming that the eviction was unlawful because it breached her right to stay in the apartment rent-free for the rest of her life.

She also sued the family company, HVS Properties, which owns the condominium unit at The Seafront on Meyer, as well as a director of the company.

The eviction took place amid a spate of legal actions that Madam Bhojwani had started against her older brother Sunil, which her mother stepped in to oppose.

The defendants argued that the eviction was justified due to her unreasonable behaviour.

Apart from starting legal disputes, she also constantly took videos of family members, clashed with the family's domestic helpers, and changed the letterbox lock.

The defendants said her behaviour stemmed from a decision by her parents to will all their properties to her brother.

Her mother testified that Madam Bhojwani preferred cash and properties, even though a US$5 million (S$6.5 million) trust fund had been set up to provide for her.

On Jan 28, the High Court dismissed the lawsuit.

Judicial Commissioner Christopher Tan issued written grounds on April 28 for his decision.

The judge said the evidence that Madam Bhojwani presented did not support her claim, even at face value.

Her evidence lacked detail and credibility, and was internally inconsistent, he added.