IT IS very unfortunate to observe that younger generation is running away from their moral duties altogether. None of the sons is willing to take care of their aged parents, forgetting that they will also grow old one day, which is a universal fact.

Recently a number of elderly old couples approached the Judiciary to claim the maintenance allowance under the Senior Citizens Act. 500 such cases are pending in Delhi itself. 70% of the pending cases have been resolved with the mutual intermediary assistance or with the societal fears etc but rest of them still look forward to the courts to see that they are provided a minimum maintenance allowance under the Act.

How come our young generation forgets the days when their parents brought them up with best possible facilities within their reach? Now when they have grown old, the same children who they would carry on their shoulders are trying to pass the responsibilities on one another or forcing them to join an Old Age homes. Almost every couple desires to lead their own lives independently, without any interference of their old parents, very sad!

The main features of the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior Citizens Act, 2007are as under:

Every senior citizen/ parent/ grandparent, who is unable to maintain himself/herself, can claim maintenance from his/ her children.

A childless senior citizen can claim maintenance from his relative who is in possession of, or would inherit the senior citizen’s property.

Obligation of the children/ relative with sufficient means is to meet the needs of the parent/ senior citizen so that they can lead a normal life.

If a senior citizen is incapable of making an application himself/ herself, any other person authorized by him, can file it on his/ her behalf.

Maintenance Tribunals can award up to Rs 10,000 per month as maintenance allowance payable to a senior citizen.