Karnataka HC suggests State-led care mechanism for elderly, akin to child protection laws.
The Karnataka High Court, observing increasing litigation concerning senior citizens' rights, directed the State to explore creating a comprehensive policy or legislative framework for "senior citizens in need of care and protection." The court suggested modeling this framework on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This directive came while hearing a petition related to a 74-year-old woman abandoned by her children, whom the court ordered to be admitted to a government hospital for care at state expense, highlighting various forms of neglect and exploitation faced by the elderly.
Key Points
- The Karnataka High Court has urged the State to develop a comprehensive care mechanism for senior citizens.
- The proposed framework should be similar to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
- The court noted a rise in litigation concerning neglect, abuse, and deprivation of rights for the elderly.
- The directive was issued during a case involving an abandoned 74-year-old woman, who the court ordered state care for.
- The initiative aims to address issues like lack of medical care, institutional support, and protection of dignity for the elderly.
Exam Facts
- Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order.
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, is cited as a model.
- The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Seniors Act, 2007, is the existing statutory framework.
- The case originated from Mysuru district.
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