Section 24 of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
Whoever, having the care or protection of senior citizen leaves, such senior citizen in any place with the intention of wholly abandoning such senior citizen, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months or fine which may extend to five thousands rupees or with both.
Summary
- This rule applies to anyone who is responsible for the care or protection of a senior citizen.
- It is a crime to leave a senior citizen in any place with the intent to completely abandon them.
- The punishment for this offence can be a prison term of up to three months.
- Alternatively, or in addition to jail time, a person can be fined up to five thousand rupees.
- The law allows for both the prison sentence and the fine to be given at the same time.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Who can be punished under this section?
Anyone who has the care or protection of a senior citizen and abandons them.
2. What counts as abandonment?
Leaving a senior citizen in any place with the intention of wholly (completely) abandoning them.
3. How long can someone go to jail for this?
The imprisonment can extend up to three months.
4. Is there a money penalty?
Yes, a fine which may extend up to five thousand rupees can be imposed.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 24 of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, what is the maximum term of imprisonment for abandoning a senior citizen?
Q2.Under Section 24 of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, what is the maximum fine that can be imposed for the offence of exposure and abandonment?
Q3.To be guilty under Section 24 of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, what must be the intention of the person leaving the senior citizen?
Q4.Under Section 24 of The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, can a person be punished with both jail and a fine?