• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
• Minister provides information on the Central Government Act in the Council
• Will or gift deed can be revoked if seniors are neglected
• Responsibility of protecting senior citizens’ rights lies with officials
Bengaluru, March 12:
If children or relatives fail to take care of their parents or senior citizens, the “Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007,” enacted by the Central Government, provides the authority to revoke any will or gift deed made in their favor, said Minister Krishna Byre Gowda in the Legislative Council.
Responding to a question from Council member Balkees Banu on Wednesday, the Minister stated, “In recent times, there have been numerous cases where children fail to care for their parents. If children or relatives neglect their elderly parents, the seniors have the legal right to revoke any will or gift deed made in their name.”
He further explained, “The Central Government implemented the ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act’ in 2007. However, many people are still unaware of this law. To ensure that this information reaches everyone effectively, I am bringing it up in the Council. According to this law, children or relatives must take care of senior citizens, including providing financial support for their monthly expenses and medical needs. If they fail to do so, seniors can file a complaint under Section 9 with the relevant authorities.”
“If a complaint is proven, and children or relatives who have inherited property fail to take care of their parents, Section 23 allows for the cancellation of any will or gift deed made in their favor, restoring ownership back to the parents. The responsibility for handling these cases lies with the sub-divisional officers. Thousands of such cases are already being heard by them. Additionally, monthly review meetings are held with sub-divisional officers on this matter, and district commissioners are also available for appeal,” the Minister informed the House.
