A MOTHER and daughter pair were charged in court on Tuesday with abusing their Indian national maid at their Hougang home.

R. Bagavathi Ammal , 66, is accused of slapping Ms Savariyarantham Amalorpavamary, 26, twice on her left cheek while her 37-year-old daughter, Murukas Vari Rathika Ramasamy, is accused of slapping the maid on the right cheek on Oct 18, 2006.

Two days later, the pair allegedly caused hurt to the maid in a bedroom. Bagavathi is said to have used her leg to press onto the victim's left leg while her daughter, a maid agent, allegedly kicked the victim's back near her hip and slapped her on the left side of her face.

Murukas also faces another charge of slapping her on the right cheek that day. Both were represented by lawyer Thangavelu, who sought an adjournment of the case The two will be back in court again on Feb 5.