Though the Government of India permits childless persons and even those with children to adopt, the law does not apply to Parsis. A Parsi can become a guardian but cannot adopt a child or even an adult as his/her son or daughter. The danger, according to some, is that Parsis may adopt non-Parsi children. One can adopt a dog and even take him/her to a fire temple, but not a human being! Such is the law!
When unmarried or childless Parsis become old and have nobody to look after them, unscrupulous elements ingratiate themselves with the unsuspecting Parsis. Some trusts take on the responsibility of looking after the elderly like the Parsi Ward in J. J. Hospital.
When such persons die, friends who have nursed and cared for them out of sheer compassion are brushed aside by the so-called ‘loving’ relatives who then make an appearance to snatch away the house and properties.
RUSTOM HAVEWALLA
rustomhavewalla@gmail.com
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