There have been many instances where children have abandoned their parents. Normal trend by these type of children, is to leave their parent(s) outside religious places, leave them outside an Elder Care Home or at airports/railway stations. These cases are not rare but are for real.
To ensure that such cases do not happen, an Act was passed in 2007. The Act became a law because the Government had to step in to ensure the wellbeing of older people. Certain amendments to the Act are in the pipeline.
The Act primarily states that, children have certain responsibilities towards their parents which needs to be followed. Also if one is a legal heir to a childless Senior then, they too have a responsibility to care for the elderly person.
Though most people would be aware of the Act, but there is a huge population who are unaware of their rights, especially those in the rural areas.
The Act can be of great use to elderly people who are facing domestic issues and have to depend upon their children.
The document Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act can be downloaded here or can be accessed below