Natural Guardian Can Manage Minor’s Property for Legal Necessity : Bombay High Court

The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court ruled that a natural guardian, as the eldest member of a Hindu joint family, can manage a minor's property if it serves their legal necessity and benefit.

The Court set aside a Beed District Court order rejecting Pooja Popalghat’s plea to sell joint family land for her and her children's welfare.

The Court held that Section 8 of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act does not restrict a guardian’s power over a minor's undivided share in joint family property. The ruling affirmed her right to act in her children's best interest.