Cancelling Property Transfers Amid Abandonment of Elderly Parents
In a distressing trend, over 150 elderly individuals have been reportedly abandoned at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), with over 100 similar cases surfacing across various hospitals in Karnataka. Many seniors are being left behind under the pretext of receiving medical care, only to be forsaken by their children.
Government Action: Cancelling Property Transfers to Protect Senior Citizens
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Karnataka’s Medical Education Minister, Sharan Prakash Patil, has called on the Revenue Department to take strict action against those abandoning their elderly parents. He emphasized invoking the Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which enables authorities to cancel property transfers and wills if children fail to care for their aging parents.
Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil | Image Credit: File Photo
BIMS has reported that nearly 70 senior citizens are now awaiting placement in retirement homes due to abandonment. The Legislative Council has taken up the matter, with officials stressing the urgent need for action against those violating their responsibilities.
How the Law Protects Elderly Parents from Property Misuse
Under Section 23 of the Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, parents can legally revoke property transfers if their children fail to provide financial or medical support. This means:
- Gifted properties or transferred assets can be legally reclaimed by elderly parents.
- Abandoning parents can lead to legal consequences, including penalties and criminal proceedings.
- Hospitals and local authorities can file complaints against those who misuse elderly individuals’ trust.
Real Estate & Legal Implications of Property Revocation
This initiative will significantly impact property ownership laws in India. Those planning to inherit or purchase properties from senior citizens must ensure compliance with legal and ethical obligations. Potential buyers should verify property history to avoid legal disputes arising from revoked transfers.
Key Takeaways: Preventing Elderly Abandonment & Ensuring Property Rights
- Parents should opt for conditional property transfers instead of outright gifting their assets.
- Legal agreements or wills must include care clauses to prevent misuse.
- Public awareness of senior citizens’ legal rights must be strengthened to deter abandonment.
- Authorities will take stricter action against individuals found guilty of parental neglect.
Conclusion
The Karnataka government’s push to revoke property transfers amid elderly abandonment is a step toward protecting vulnerable senior citizens from exploitation. Families must uphold their moral and legal duties to care for aging parents rather than treat property transfers as mere financial transactions.
For more updates on real estate laws, property rights, and ethical property transfers, visit ApnaGharOnline.com.