Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, in a written reply stated that the union government is considering taking strict action upon those who abandon their elderly parents.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is being considered for amendments which inter-alia propose that “whoever, having the care or protection of parent(s)/senior citizen(s) intentionally abuses or abandons such parent(s)/senior citizen(s) shall be punishable with imprisonment of not less than three months which may be extended to six months or fine up to Rupees Ten Thousand or both”.
“Children” includes son or daughter whether biological, adoptive or step, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandson, grand-daughter and also includes a minor through his/her legal Guardian as the case may be”.