The Karnataka High Court has appointed the wife of Dr. Anil Kumar H.V, who has been in a comatose state for nine months due to a neurological disorder, as his guardian, allowing her to manage his bank accounts on his behalf.
Dr. Anil Kumar H.V. has been on a ventilator since June 23, 2024, after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. His wife, the petitioner, requested permission to operate his bank accounts to cover treatment and living expenses, but the banks did not act on her request. She approached the court, seeking to be appointed as his guardian to manage the accounts.
The Bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna observed, “The petitioner is appointed, as a guardian to her husband Dr. Anil Kumar H.V. and a direction issues to respondents No.2 to 4 - Banks to allow the petitioner to draw money for day-to-day treatment of her husband and for the livelihood of the family. Petitioner is reserved liberty to approach the Court in the event of need. Respondents No.2 to 4 shall not brook any delay and shall permit normal operation of the account at the hands of the petitioner, wife of Dr. Anil Kumar H.V.”
The court acknowledged medical records confirming that Dr. Anil Kumar H.V. is completely immobile due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Since the accounts, including one holding his pension, remained inaccessible for nine months, the family faced severe financial hardship. The court noted the urgency of the situation and the lack of dispute from the respondents.
The Court noted, “In the light of the condition of the husband of the petitioner, I deem it appropriate to permit the petitioner, the wife of Dr. Anil Kumar H.V., to operate the account, as if the husband was operating the account.”
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