CH NEWS, CHITRADURGA
Senior citizens must cultivate active awareness of their legal rights and seek prompt institutional recourse whenever confronted with distress, neglect, or harassment, affirmed Sub-Divisional Officer (Assistant Commissioner) Dr. Kantaraj.
Presiding over a sports and cultural competition organized to mark World Senior Citizens Day 2026 at the Old Secondary School premises on Thursday, Dr. Kantaraj highlighted the legal safeguards available under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The event was jointly organized by the Chitradurga District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Development Department, Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, and regional elders’ associations.
Dr. Kantaraj explained that aggrieved seniors facing mistreatment or abandonment by family members can lodge a complaint directly with the Sub-Divisional Officer’s tribunal on plain paper, which is treated as an official petition to summon respondents and ensure justice. Advising elders to exercise financial caution, he strongly recommended retaining property ownership throughout their lifetimes rather than transferring titles prematurely to children, remarking that modern social dynamics often tie domestic respect to financial security. He also highlighted the state helpline, 15100, for emergency assistance and urged seniors to maintain physical and cognitive health through yoga, walking, and engaging hobbies.
Inaugurating the convention, Senior Civil Judge and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Member Secretary Shamir P. Nandyal highlighted that senior citizens can approach either the Sub-Divisional Court or the Civil Court to secure statutory maintenance allowances from negligent children. He urged the public to utilize the upcoming third National Lok Adalat on Saturday, September 19, for swift, amicable dispute settlements.
Women and Child Welfare Deputy Director Vijay Kumar K.H., District Advocates Association President H.S. Maheshwarappa, District Disabled Welfare Officer Vaishali J., and several community leaders attended the observance.