Bengaluru: With cases under Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, on the rise, the high court has suggested that the state govt consider measures to create awareness among senior citizens about the legal consequences of transferring or relinquishing property during their lifetime.
In an order passed on Oct 14, Justice Suraj Govindaraj observed that such awareness should highlight the importance of understanding the nature and legal impact of documents before signing them, recording any obligation to provide maintenance or care, and the risks of transferring property that constitutes their principal source of livelihood or financial security.
Senior citizens should also be informed about the legal remedies available if such transfers leave them without maintenance or support, he said.
The observations came while the court examined a dispute involving a release deed executed by G Bairappa, 75, in favour of his daughter Girija and son-in-law Y Chandru.
Justice Govindaraj said the court was not convinced by the documents produced by the petitioners. Material discrepancies and the absence of satisfactory supporting evidence regarding the alleged payment were sufficient grounds to reject their contention. The judge directed that the matter be referred to the chief commissioner of income tax, Karnataka, for further action.