Legal Dispute Following the Death of Dr. Hemlata Srivastava
Overview of the Situation
Jabalpur: The passing of 81-year-old senior ophthalmologist Dr. Hemlata Srivastava at her home in Wright Town has sparked a significant legal and familial controversy concerning her extensive property holdings, particularly an 11,000-square-foot prime land parcel valued at nearly Rs 60 crore.
Timeline of Events
Reports indicate that Dr. Hemlata celebrated her 81st birthday on January 12, where a video of her joyfully cutting a cake with Dr. Sumit Jain and his wife, Prachi Jain, gained widespread attention. However, just two days later, her health significantly declined, leading to her critical condition by January 15. During this period, essential documents regarding her property were reportedly signed.
Claims of Voluntary Donation
Dr. Sumit Jain spoke to NDTV, asserting that Dr. Hemlata willingly donated the land to establish a memorial hospital in honor of her late father-in-law and son. “She was fully conscious. She was like a mother to us,” he stated.
Allegations of Coercion
Conversely, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised concerns about potential coercion, alleging that Dr. Hemlata was pressured into signing registry and gift deeds despite her weakened physical and mental state. Amid escalating tensions, district authorities intervened and admitted her to the Medical College under the Collector’s orders. Reports indicate that Dr. Hemlata later claimed the gift deed had been registered based on false information.
Conflicting Claims and Legal Complications
The Gayatri Mandir Trust has also entered the fray, asserting that Dr. Hemlata intended to donate the property to them, with backing from her younger sister. Meanwhile, Dr. Hemlata’s sister from Chhattisgarh has taken custody of her body and is asserting her legal claims. With multiple parties involved and differing accounts, the situation has become increasingly intricate.
Legal Clarifications
Jabalpur District Collector Raghavendra Singh provided clarification regarding the Wright Town property, stating that it is categorized as a leasehold by the Municipal Corporation, making it legally impermissible to donate. He noted that in a recorded statement, Dr. Hemlata denied any intention to donate the property. “The entire matter has been referred to the SDM court. Statements of all concerned parties are being recorded. Decisions will be made strictly according to legal provisions,” he added. This development indicates that what began as a private dispute has now escalated into formal legal proceedings.
Additional Concerns
Reports have surfaced alleging that during her critical illness, Dr. Hemlata was taken away in a car by individuals associated with a religious group, leading to objections from neighbors and police involvement. Questions persist regarding her hospitalization, treatment, and the rapid deterioration of her health.
Personal Losses and Health Decline
Dr. Hemlata experienced considerable personal losses prior to her passing, including the death of her son, Dr. Rachit Srivastava, from a heart attack in 2022, and her husband in December 2025, leaving her without direct heirs. IMA officials highlighted that she attended a medical conference in November 2025 in good health, yet by January 2026, her condition had severely declined. Within weeks, she passed away, leaving behind a complex legal battle currently unfolding in court, as reported by Money Control.