Karnataka high court flags geriatric care gaps, seeks larger govt framework

Karnataka high court directed Mysuru deputy commissioner to admit an abandoned 74-year-old woman with gangrene to a government hospital and pay all bills.

The court asked the state government to examine extending institutional support to senior citizens on lines of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The court sought a report by August 11 on proposed measures for geriatric care, noting lapses in existing framework under Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj observed the need for a framework to identify vulnerable senior citizens requiring state intervention for protection, welfare, and rehabilitation.

The court stayed a tribunal order on property cancellation, pending monthly maintenance payment of Rs 10,000 by the woman's son.