Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 26: "National Senior Citizens' Day will be celebrated by the entire nation on October 1, but in reality most of the senior citizens live on the streets without a roof and the affection of their children, said Dr Ravindra Shanbhag, founder of Human Rights Foundation, Udupi.
Addressing a press meet here on Saturday September 26, Dr Shanbagh said that he has received 285 atrocity cases against senior citizens up to June this year, and 45 additional cases have been received till September. Out of these, 28 have been settled.
"The court has officially passed a verdict on domestic violence cases, but only three of the victims have received justice. The assistant commissioner should wind up every case within 90 days, but 150 to 385 days are taken to close a case. Implementation of judgement is a very tough task," he said.
He further said that in many of the cases, the government officials support the opposition party instead of the victims. "Some judges lack knowledge about acts and legal restrictions. There is no visible difference in placing judicial power in executive officials’ hands. Section 17 of the Senior Citizens Protection Act clearly mentions that the justice himself should investigate the case of senior citizens. Unfortunately, lawyers come forward and present their arguments in court in such a way so as to weaken the confidence of the victims."
Shanbhag cited the example of a 70-year-old widow named Bhagyamma, who was allegedly thrown out by her daughter-in-law, wife of her elder son Surendra. Her two others sons died of illness. "At present she is taking shelter at Mysuru in a small home. Her grandson has threatened her saying if she comes back and demands her house back, he will kill her ruthlessly. Now she has come to HR foundation Udupi seeking justice," he said.
Ravindra Shanbhag stressed on the need for every district to have a nodal agency to take care of deprived aged people. "They must have special powers to handle domestic issues. Old age homes are becoming commercial instead of serving senior citizens. Complaints of domestic issues from places like Koppal, Tumakuru and neighbouring states have also been received at Udupi Human Rights Foundation," he said.
He urged the government to take keen interest in the implementation of laws concerning the needy enshrined in the Constitution.
Bhagyamma was present at the press meet.