Legislation on Maintenance of Parents in India

The State of Himachal Pradesh has passed a legislation in 1996 making the maintenance of one's parent mandatory. This legislation is titled "The Himachal Pradesh Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2001".

Objectives of the Legislation

The key objectives of this legislation are:

1. To provide for the maintenance of parents and senior citizens in the State of Himachal Pradesh.

2. To provide a legal framework for the protection of their life and property.

3. To make it mandatory for children to maintain their parents, failing which, parents can approach the authorities for relief.

4. To provide for the establishment of old age homes, if necessary.

Key Provisions of the Legislation

1. It is the duty of children to maintain their parents and senior citizens.

2. If any parent or senior citizen is unable to maintain himself or herself, he or she can approach the authorities for relief.

3. The authorities can order the children to pay a monthly maintenance amount to the parent or senior citizen.

4. The authorities can also order the attachment of the property of the children in case they fail to pay the maintenance amount.

5. The legislation also provides for the establishment of old age homes for senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves.

Conclusion

The Himachal Pradesh Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2001 is a landmark legislation in India. It recognizes the importance of maintaining and protecting the life and property of parents and senior citizens. It is the duty of children to take care of their parents and senior citizens, failing which, the authorities can intervene and provide relief. The legislation also provides for the establishment of old age homes for those who are unable to maintain themselves.