Circle Officer D.P Chavhan with the Couple While Safely Accommodating Them in their Own Flat |
Coming to the rescue of a childless couple aged 81 and 79 years, the Thane district maintenance tribunal for senior citizens passed an order directing the upper tehsildar to ensure that they are safely accommodated in their self-owned flat in Mira Road.
Grappling from various health related issues, the couple-Manoharlal (81) and his wife Santosh Devi (79) had been running from pillar-to-post after they were mistreated and thrown out of their own flat in the Shanti Nagar area of Mira Road last year by their distant relatives whom they had allowed to live and take care of them in their old age.
The couple approached local legislator and transport minister-Pratap Sarnaik who guided them to the tribunal which under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 provides assistance and legal remedies to elderly citizens. Supported by documents substantiating their ownership rights, the couple filed an application before the tribunal last month.
After hearings, sub divisional officer (SDO)-Urmila Patil in her capacity as tribunal magistrate passed an order on 13, February directing the upper tehsildar to accommodate the dishoused couple in their own flat within 24 hours. In response to the directions, circle officer- D.P. Chavhan along with a police team led by API- Mangesh Kad from the Naya Nagar police station accompanied the couple and ensured their possession over the flat on Friday.
However, as per orders, their kin- Rajesh Dhakkad has been given a time of 15 days to peacefully vacate the property with an undertaking the couple will not be harmed or mistreated in any manner.
Noncompliance will not only invite forceful eviction, but also a FIR should be lodged against the kin under the relevant sections of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, the order stated. “I am thankful to Mr. Sarnaik, officials from the district collectorate and police for their cooperation in getting us justice.” said Manoharlal who had also filed a FIR at the Naya Nagar police station against Rajesh and his wife for harassment on 10, January, 2025.
The purpose of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, is to grant speedy, simple, and inexpensive remedies to elderly citizens Emphasizing the beneficial nature of the Act, the Apex Court in its recent judgements has also clarified that tribunals have the power to order the eviction and transfer of possession.
