Unknown debts from sick father (greater than 75lakhs)

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At the outset, you are not legally liable to repay your father’s personal debts unless you have acted as a co-borrower, guarantor, or have inherited assets from him. Creditors cannot compel family members to discharge such liabilities in the absence of legal obligation. Given your father’s present medical condition and alleged mental instability, any recent borrowings may be legally challengeable if it is established that he lacked the mental capacity to contract. Such transactions can be disputed before a competent court. You should immediately: 1. Refrain from making any payments or informal commitments to creditors. 2. Seek full particulars of alleged debts in writing. 3. Issue a formal legal reply denying liability on your part. If creditors initiate coercive actions, you may approach the Court seeking appropriate protection. In parallel, consider initiating proceedings for appointment of a guardian for your father’s affairs, to legally manage his financial matters. Liability, if any, arises only to the extent of assets inherited, and not beyond. Proceed cautiously and strictly through legal channels.

Advocate Pavani Kumari LawRato