Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has declared that property transfers and wills favouring children who abandon their elderly parents in government hospitals will be annulled. This initiative comes in response to a troubling trend, with over 150 cases reported at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) alone, alongside more than 100 similar incidents across the state.
Under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, parents can legally revoke property transfers if neglected by their children. The government aims to enforce accountability and ensure justice for deserted senior citizens through immediate legal action against negligent children.
A “Shocking and Inhumane” Trend
Minister Patil expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in cases where elderly parents are left in hospitals by their children, labelling this behaviour as “shocking and inhumane.” Reports indicate that many parents are abandoned after transferring their property rights to their children, often under the guise of seeking medical treatment.
At BIMS alone, over 150 cases have been documented in recent months, with additional reports emerging from other state-run medical facilities. During a review meeting held to address this pressing issue, the director of BIMS highlighted these incidents, prompting Minister Patil to take immediate action.
He directed the Director of Medical Education, Dr. BL Sujatha Rathod, to ensure that complaints are filed with assistant commissioners for legal intervention. “Children who neglect or abandon their parents will not benefit from their property,” he affirmed, sending a strong message about the government’s stance on this issue.
Legal Framework and Government Response
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, serves as a crucial legal framework designed to protect the rights of elderly individuals in India. This law empowers elderly parents to revoke property transfers if they are abandoned or neglected by their children. Minister Patil emphasised that many individuals remain unaware of these legal provisions, which mandate financial support and medical care for senior citizens from their children or relatives.
Under Section 23 of the Act, if a child abandons their parent after inheriting property, the law allows for the cancellation of such transfers. To combat this growing crisis, BIMS has successfully relocated 70 abandoned seniors to retirement homes; however, many others remain in hospitals awaiting assistance and support. The government plans to intensify efforts to raise awareness about these laws among both seniors and their families.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The increasing abandonment of elderly parents is a distressing reflection of societal values that require urgent reform. The Logical Indian commends the Karnataka government’s decisive actions but urges a broader public awareness campaign regarding the rights of senior citizens under existing laws. It is vital for society to foster compassion and responsibility towards its elderly members, ensuring that they receive not only the care they need but also the respect they deserve.
This situation challenges us all to reflect on our values and responsibilities towards our elders. How can we collectively ensure that our senior citizens receive the dignity and care they deserve? What steps can communities take to promote empathy and support for our aging population? Share your thoughts below!
