Senior Citizens' Rights
India has a dedicated law requiring children to maintain their elderly parents, a fast eviction-style remedy against neglectful family members, and growing protection against elder abuse.
Right to maintenance from children/relatives
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 legally obligates children — and, if childless, relatives who'd inherit — to provide maintenance.
Right to revoke a bad-faith property transfer
If you transferred property to a child/relative expecting care that was never given, you can apply to have that transfer declared void.
Fast, tribunal-based process
Maintenance claims go before a Maintenance Tribunal, meant to resolve cases within 90 days, without needing a lawyer.
Right to protection from abuse and abandonment
Abandoning a senior citizen is a specific criminal offence, not just a moral failing.
What actually happens, and what to do
Click a scenario to see the law, the exact steps, and who to call.
01
My children are refusing to support me — I need maintenance
You're 60+ (or a parent unable to maintain yourself at any age) and your children or relatives who'd inherit your estate aren't providing support.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 lets you apply for maintenance from children or relatives before a Maintenance Tribunal (headed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate) — a fast, low-cost process.
- Apply to the Maintenance Tribunal in your district — forms are usually available at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office, and many states offer online applications.
- No lawyer is required — you can represent yourself or use an authorised representative.
- The Tribunal is expected to decide within 90 days.
- The maintenance amount is meant to be reasonable for basic needs, sometimes capped by state rules.
Senior Citizen Helpline (Elder Line)
24x7 national helpline for information and support.
Maintenance Tribunal
At the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office in your district.
02
I gave my property to my child expecting care, but I'm now neglected
A common and painful pattern the law specifically anticipates.
Section 23 of the 2007 Act lets a senior citizen have such a transfer declared void by the Tribunal if it was made on the condition of being cared for, and that condition wasn't fulfilled.
- Apply to the Maintenance Tribunal to have the transfer declared void.
- Gather any evidence of the understanding — family communication, or conditions mentioned in the gift deed.
- You may be entitled to continue residing in the property while the case is decided.
03
I'm facing abuse, harassment, or abandonment
Neglect or mistreatment by family members is a legal matter, not just a private one.
Abandoning a senior citizen is a specific criminal offence under the 2007 Act, separate from broader BNS provisions on hurt, criminal intimidation, and cruelty that can also apply.
- Call the Senior Citizen Helpline 14567 (Elder Line, 24x7) for immediate support and guidance.
- File a police complaint for abandonment or abuse.
- Approach the Maintenance Tribunal for protective orders alongside any criminal case.
04
I have questions about my pension, EPS, or savings scheme
Financial-rights questions specific to retirement.
- For government pensioners, use the Pensioners' Portal (pensionersportal.gov.in) for grievances.
- For Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) issues, use the EPFO grievance portal.
- For Senior Citizen Savings Scheme or bank issues, approach your bank first, then the RBI Ombudsman if unresolved.
The legal basis, in plain terms
Key provisions that apply here
Maintenance obligation on children/relatives, enforced through a fast Tribunal process.
Voids property transfers made conditional on care that was never provided.
Criminal liability for abandonment, hurt, and cruelty toward the elderly.
Special tax benefits and exemptions for senior and super-senior citizens.
Court rulings that shaped this right
The precedents behind the plain-language explanations above.
Quick answers
Do I need a lawyer to apply to the Maintenance Tribunal?
How much maintenance can I claim?
Can grandchildren be made to pay maintenance too?
What is the Senior Citizen Helpline number?
Can my parents evict my spouse and me from their house?
Do senior citizens get priority in courts and government offices?
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Ask AdhikarThis page explains general Indian law for information purposes and is not legal advice. Laws, portal names, fees and helpline numbers change — please verify current details on the official government website linked above before taking action, and consult a qualified advocate for advice on your specific case.