High court seeks affidavit on implementation of ‘Elderline’ in Haryana

In a significant development concerning the welfare of senior citizens, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today called for an affidavit from Haryana, detailing the number of districts where “Elderline” (helpline) has been established.

The bench made it clear that the affidavit was also required to explain reasons for the non-establishment, if applicable, and provide a specific timeline for ensuring timely implementation of the provisions of the Haryana Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules, 2009.

The bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh passed the directions while hearing a petition filed in public interest by RP Malhotra through counsel Satyam Tandon, Mahima Dogra, and Nisha Kanojia. Among other things, the PIL referred to the non-establishment of the helpline – a crucial service mandated under the rules aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of senior citizens.

The bench, during the course of hearing, was told that “Elderline” was designed to provide comprehensive assistance to senior citizens, including emergency aid, legal assistance, healthcare guidance, emotional support, and access to social welfare schemes. Despite its mandated implementation under the Haryana Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules, the helpline remains non-operational in several districts.

Additional Solicitor General of India Satya Pal Jain, accompanied by senior panel counsel Saigeeta Srivastva, represented the Union of India, while Additional Advocate General Deepak Balyan appeared for the state of Haryana.