Absolute Disdain: Allahabad HC Slams UP Govt Over Senior Citizens Protection Plan The Allahabad High Court recently issued a sharp rebuke to the Uttar Pradesh government for its failure to comply with a court order regarding the implementation of a protection plan for senior citizens. The bench, comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan, criticized the Principal Secretary (Home) of the state for not filing an affidavit in response to the court’s directive. The order had sought clarification on whether the government had prepared a comprehensive action plan to safeguard the lives and property of vulnerable senior citizens under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The court described the official’s inaction as reflecting “absolute disdain” for judicial authority, warning that the bureaucracy could face coercive measures, including contempt proceedings, if it failed to comply with the court’s directions. The bench emphasized that officials had only three options: comply with the order, file a one-page application with an affidavit explaining any delays, or face legal consequences. The case originated from a plea filed by Gulab Kali, an 80-year-old woman living alone with her two granddaughters, one of whom is physically disabled. She alleged that individuals were attempting to illegally dispossess her ancestral land. The court had previously directed the Principal Secretary to explain the state’s actions under the 2007 Act and outlined steps for the District Magistrate of Prayagraj to protect vulnerable senior citizens. On February 17, the court noted that the Principal Secretary’s response merely requested an extension of time without providing substantive reasons or detailing actions taken so far.#allahabad_hc #uttar_pradesh_govt #justice_atul_sreedharan #justice_siddharth_nandan #gulab_kali
