Re Prasad

[2012] NZHC 1489

IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND WELLINGTON REGISTRY

CIV 2008-485-2177 [2012] NZHC 1489

IN THE MATTER            of the ESTATE OF SUMINATRA PRASAD also known as SUMINTRA SAHAY PRASAD

Hearing:         18-20 June 2012

Counsel:         K Lakshman for the Executrix

J M McMillan for the Caveator

Judgment:      28 June 2012

JUDGMENT OF MALLON J

Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... [1] The issues ....................................................................................................................................... [1] Sumintra’s family and the beneficiaries under the will................................................................... [3] Earlier will ..................................................................................................................................... [5] The estate........................................................................................................................................ [6] The evidence ...................................................................................................................................... [7] Family background......................................................................................................................... [7] Sumintra’s will of 20 March 2007................................................................................................. [22] Admission to Mary Potter Hospice: instructions for will ............................................................. [31] Dharam’s funeral.......................................................................................................................... [41] Admission to Russell Kemp: execution of will .............................................................................. [52] Powers of attorney........................................................................................................................ [71] Sumintra’s last weeks.................................................................................................................... [90] Sumintra’s funeral ........................................................................................................................ [96] Testamentary capacity .................................................................................................................... [97] The law ......................................................................................................................................... [97] Evidence raising a tenable issue of incapacity? ........................................................................... [98] Has executrix established testamentary capacity on the balance of probabilities? ................... [100] Knowledge and approval of will................................................................................................... [126] Undue influence ............................................................................................................................. [128]

Conclusion...................................................................................................................................... [131]

ESTATE OF SUMINATRA PRASAD HC WN CIV 2008-485-2177 [28 June 2012]

Introduction

The issues

[1]      Sumintra Prasad died on 26 September 2008 aged 68 years.  She made her will when she was terminally ill in hospital and less than two weeks after the death of her husband, Dharam Sahay Prasad, with whom she had lived for over 50 years. She was survived by four sons and a number of grandchildren.  Under her will, she gifted her estate to one of her daughters-in-law and two of her granddaughters (one of whom she had formally adopted).  One of her sons challenges her will.

[2]      The issues in this case are:

a)        whether Sumintra had testamentary capacity when she executed the will;

b)        whether she knew and approved the contents of her will; and

c)        whether she was subject to undue influence when she made her will.

Sumintra’s family and the beneficiaries under the will

[3]      Sumintra (also known as Suminatra) and Dharam had four biological sons, Narendra (also known as Sam or Naren) who lives in New Zealand, Navendra (also known as Navin) who lives in Canada, Nagendra (also known as Arun) who lives in the United States and Naveendra (also known as Peter) who lives in Australia.  All four sons married and have children.  Naren is the eldest son.  He married Meena. Naren and Meena have three biological daughters (Varsha, Vandhana and Vashna) and one son (Vishant).  Varsha and Vandhana were legally adopted by Sumintra and Dharam.

[4]      Sumintra gave instructions for her will on 16 July 2008.  At that time she was

in a hospice.   Dharam died on 30 July 2008.   Sumintra’s will was executed on

11 August 2008 by which time Sumintra had been transferred to a rest home and

hospital closer to her family.  The beneficiaries under the will are Meena, Varsha and Vashna.   Meena is also the executrix.   The challenge to Sumintra’s testamentary capacity is made by Navin, the second eldest son of Sumintra and Dharam.1   This is

shown in the…