CHANDIGARH, July 21 — The Haryana Human Rights Commission has ruled that the abandonment and harassment of elderly parents by their children constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to live with dignity.
The commission’s order follows a complaint by an 82-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife from Panchkula, who alleged that their son and daughter-in-law subjected them to sustained psychological abuse, neglect and coercion — including efforts to force the couple to transfer ownership of their self-acquired property and vacate their home.
“Forcing elderly parents to live in fear without food or care in isolation within their own property constitutes a gross violation of their human rights,” wrote Justice Lalit Batra, chairperson of the commission, in the July 15 order. “The psychological abuse, denial of basic necessities and coercion to surrender property against their will are not only morally reprehensible but also legally indefensible.”
The couple, both battling serious health conditions that have required multiple surgeries, stated they had no financial dependence on their son. Yet, they alleged, they were regularly taunted, pressured to leave for an old-age home, and even targeted with a false domestic violence complaint.
The matter had earlier reached the Senior Citizen Tribunal in Panchkula, where the couple filed for eviction of their son and daughter-in-law under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, on January 18, 2025.
Citing provisions of the 2007 Act, the Commission noted:
— Section 4 entitles senior citizens to claim maintenance from their children;
— Section 23 allows revocation of property transfers if care is not provided as promised;
— Section 24 criminalizes abandonment of senior citizens.
The commission said it had found prima facie evidence of abuse and “wilful neglect.” It directed the Panchkula deputy commissioner to ensure the elderly couple’s immediate protection, speed up proceedings before the Tribunal, and extend all necessary administrative support.
“The complainants deserve immediate protection, and their right to live peacefully in their home should be ensured without delay,” the order stated.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 23. Copies of the commission’s order have been forwarded to both the deputy commissioner and commissioner of police in Panchkula for strict compliance, said Puneet Arora, protocol, information and public relations officer for the commission.
