**Uttar Pradesh to Amend Senior Citizens’ Welfare Rules, Allowing Parents to Evict Neglectful Children**
*Lucknow:* The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to introduce a significant amendment to the rules concerning the welfare of senior citizens. Under the proposed changes, children who cause distress to their parents or fail to take proper care of them may soon be required to vacate the family home.
Currently, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules, 2014, provide elderly citizens with a mechanism to seek redressal against neglect. Maintenance tribunals, headed by sub-divisional magistrates, operate at the tehsil level where complaints can be filed. The rules also allow for an appeal before the district magistrate.
In 2020, the State Law Commission recommended an amendment to Rule 22, suggesting that parents should have the right to evict children or relatives from their property if they fail in their duty of care. The recommendation specified that such eviction would be applicable only if the property is legally owned by the senior citizens.
Officials revealed that the government has held multiple rounds of deliberations on the proposal. The prevailing consensus is that eviction orders would be valid solely during the lifetime of the parents. Once the parents pass away, children or relatives will regain their legal rights to the property.
“The intention is to provide security and peace of mind to senior citizens who often face harassment or neglect in their own homes,” explained a senior government official.
The proposed amendment will soon be presented to the state cabinet for approval. If accepted, it will mark a major shift in protecting elderly citizens under the law.
Legal experts have welcomed the move. Advocate Anil Tiwari commented, “The law already provides maintenance rights to senior citizens, but enforcement has been weak. Empowering parents to evict neglectful children will act as a deterrent. It is a humane and practical step.”
Senior citizens have also expressed hope regarding the proposal. Seventy-year-old retired teacher Sharda Prasad from Lucknow said, “Many of us feel trapped when our own children stop caring for us but continue to live in our homes. This change will give us dignity.”
However, some voices have cautioned against potential misuse. Social activist Rachna Srivastava noted, “The rules must be carefully framed to avoid family disputes escalating into eviction battles. Adequate safeguards will be essential.”
With an ageing population and rising cases of elderly neglect, this move is seen as a positive step toward ensuring that senior citizens in Uttar Pradesh can live their final years with respect and security.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-plans-tougher-rules-to-protect-elderly-neglectful-children-could-lose-right-to-stay-at-home
