Madras HC directs TN govt to inspect old-age homes

Chennai: The Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu govermnent to periodically inspect all old-age homes in the state and act in accordance with law to ensure compliance of rules by them and file a status report in two weeks.

The court also ordered the government to make sure that senior citizens, who are residents of such homes, are not denied the basic amenities of a life of dignity.

Treating a letter by a resident of an old-age home in Coimbatore as a PIL, the bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar issued notice to the Director of Social Welfare Department, Coimbatore District Collector, District Social Welfare officer and the Principal Secretary of Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department.

The court then posted the matter to November 20.

In his October 25 letter, Sangameswaran Krishnan stated that following assurances given by one Dhyanaprastha Foundation that a life of dignity, with food, 24 hours medical care, security, religious and recreational activities and company of persons of the same age group, he along with his wife and his mother-in-law moved into Pyramid complex senior citizens’ home after executing a long term lease of 20 years.

The petitioner further said that he had to pay Rs 13 lakh by way of interest free security deposit.

On a perusal of the letter, the bench said, “On a perusal of the letter and reading between the lines it appears that it is the grievance of the petitioner that the promoters have not kept their commitments… In contravention of government orders, they are not providing the residents with adequate nutritious food, medical care, etc., as promised.”

After impleading Dynanaprastha Foundation as a respondent, the bench said, “Respondent authorities shall treat the letter of Sangameswaran Krishnan as a representation and shall inspect the Senior Citizen’s home in question to ascertain whether Rules, Regulations and Government Orders with regard to running of Senior Citizens home and /or old-age homes are being complied with.”

“All senior citizen’s homes/old ages home shall periodically be inspected and steps taken in accordance with law to ensure compliance with Rules, Regulations and Government Orders for running such homes,” it added.

The court directed the government to file the status report within two weeks from the date of receipt of the copy of its order.