4 days ago
‘Alarming, tragic situation': Haryana human rights panel flags trauma faced by neglected elderly couple
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has intervened in the case of a 96-year-old man and his 86-year-old wife residing at a flat at Ridgewood Estate in Gurgaon's DLF City Phase-IV, allegedly neglected by their son.
The order was passed on May 29, following a complaint filed by the Ridgewood Estate Condominium Association, which stated that the couple was left with two untrained female attendants and no medical supervision. The complaint noted that the elderly man's frequent cries of pain have caused emotional distress to his wife and nearby residents, despite appeals to his son and local authorities.
HHRC chairperson Justice Lalit Batra described the situation as a violation of the couple's right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. 'It is an alarming, tragic situation where vulnerable and elderly individuals have been left high and dry, without family support at a time when they mostly require love, care and medical intervention. Society and the State have a shared responsibility to intervene when the elderly are deprived of due care and dignity,' the Commission's order stated.
It made it clear that the failure to ensure essential medical care, emotional support and regular supervision reflected gross negligence, which amounted 'to a breach of not only the basic human rights of the senior citizens themselves but also of the larger community that has been involuntarily subjected to such trauma.'
The Commission cited the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, specifically Section 20, which mandates the state to provide healthcare services for senior citizens, including reserved hospital beds and subsidised treatment.
The order added, 'While the matter of intentional abandonment, if proven, Section 24 of the Act, 2007, envisages criminal liability for the abandonment of senior citizens by those responsible for their care, provided such abandonment is duly established during the course of investigation.'
The HHRC directed the deputy commissioner, Gurgaon, to form a medical and welfare committee, comprising the commissioner of police, sub-divisional magistrate, civil surgeon, and district social welfare officer. The order specified that the team should forthwith visit the premises and conduct a detailed medical, psychological and social assessment of both senior citizens.
'A status report of action taken for their medical treatment, long-term care or rehabilitation shall be submitted to this Commission before the next date of hearing,' it said. The case will be heard next on July 3.
Dr Puneet Arora, HHRC's protocol, information, and public relations officer, said compliance is expected from authorities, with further action to be determined based on the report.
