HAVERI: The assistant commissioner of Savanur sub-division, Haveri district, recently cancelled two gift deeds and ordered two persons to return properties as they breached the promise of looking after their elderly parents.
Citing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, Annapurna Mudakammanavar used her judicial powers to pass the orders and said both beneficiaries had violated the purpose of getting the properties and had refused to take care of their elderly mothers in Hanagal taluk.
A 67-year-old senior citizen from Chikkamashihosur village, had appealed to the KAS officer to cancel a three-acre land gift deed given to her son. According to sources, she was suffering from age-related health complications and her son refused to be by her side. The assistant commissioner ordered revocation of the gift deed after hearing both parties.
In the second case, a 65-year-old woman reclaimed her property – a house and a vacant plot — after she filed a similar appeal in the AC’s office. The elderly mother, from Aladakatti village, plans to use the property to secure her life after her son allegedly started ignoring her.
“Many parents are facing similar problems. They don’t know what to do if their children refuse to take care of them despite giving their properties to them. Such issues can be settled legally. Recently, the Kerala high court passed an order that said the Act contemplates rights of senior citizens beyond the right to maintenance. The word ‘welfare’ means provision for food, healthcare, recreational activities and other amenities necessary for senior citizens,” the AC explained.