Sribhumi: In a significant step toward strengthening legal and institutional support for the elderly, the first Legal Services Clinic for Senior Citizens in Sribhumi district was inaugurated on Friday at the DC Office premises.
The clinic was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Michael Zothankhuma, Judge of the Gauhati High Court and Executive Chairman of the Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA), along with Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manish Choudhury, Judge of the Gauhati High Court and Chairman of the Gauhati High Court Legal Services Committee.
The event was attended by the District & Sessions Judge, Sribhumi, judicial officers, members of the district and police administration, and senior citizens.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of growing concern over the neglect and abandonment of elderly persons. Senior citizens, defined as those aged 60 years and above, constitute a vital segment of society but are often left without adequate support.
Left: Hon’ble Mr.Justice Michael Zothankhuma, Judge Gauhati High Court and Executive Chairman, ASLSA. Right: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manish Choudhury, Judge, Gauhati High Court.
Instances of abandonment by family members, lack of medical assistance during illness, and social isolation have underscored the need for stronger enforcement of welfare legislation.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, provides that parents and senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves can seek maintenance from their children or certain relatives.
In Assam, Tribunals have been constituted in every subdivision with the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) as the presiding authority, while Deputy Commissioners head the Appellate Tribunals at the district level. However, officials acknowledged that awareness about these mechanisms remains low, and many senior citizens are unaware of their rights and available remedies.
The Act also mandates the establishment of at least one old age home in every district and directs government hospitals to provide dedicated beds and separate queues for senior citizens.
It further empowers Tribunals to declare void any transfer of property made by a senior citizen if the transferee fails to provide agreed basic amenities and care. Abandonment of a senior citizen by a person responsible for their care is punishable with imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to Rs. 5,000, or both.
Under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules, 2012, police stations are required to maintain updated records of elderly persons, particularly those living alone, and ensure regular visits and prompt response to complaints.
The newly inaugurated Legal Services Clinic has been established in line with the National Legal Services Authority Scheme, 2016 for Senior Citizens, which mandates legal aid clinics in every Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal and Old Age Home. According to officials, the District Legal Services Authority, Sribhumi, will provide legal advice, assistance and support to elderly persons facing neglect, property disputes or maintenance issues.
On the occasion, wheelchairs and walking sticks were distributed to needy senior citizens by the two High Court judges. Additionally, compensation amounting to Rs. 6,80,000 was disbursed through cheques to victims of crime under the Assam Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012.
Officials described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the district, expressing hope that the clinic would enhance access to justice and restore dignity and security to senior citizens in Sribhumi.
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