Senior Citizens Act 2007 · Tribunal Route · 90-Day Decision
Senior Citizen Rights Hub
Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 — faster, free, no-court-fee route to claim maintenance from children or reclaim gifted property when neglected.
Why this Act is better than §144 BNSS for seniors
90-day decision
Tribunal must decide within 90 days (extendable 30 days once). Magistrate cases drag for years.
No court fee
Tribunal application is completely free. No advocate required (but allowed).
Reclaim gifted property
§23 — property gifted to child can be declared VOID if child neglects parent. Unique to this Act.
Up to ₹10,000/month
§9(1) cap is ₹10,000/month per state notification. Non-payment → 1-month imprisonment.
Pick your situation
Your details
How to file & timeline
- Find your tribunal: Every Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in each district is the Maintenance Tribunal under §7. Visit your tehsil/SDO office or district website.
- Submit application: Three copies — no court fee. Acknowledgement is your protection.
- Conciliation (§6): Tribunal first refers to Conciliation Officer (typically NGO). 1-month window. If failed → tribunal hears case.
- Final order (90 days): Tribunal MUST decide within 90 days of application. Maintenance from date of application.
- Non-payment teeth: §11 — warrant for recovery as arrears of land revenue + up to 1 month jail per default month.
- Appeal route: Within 60 days to District Magistrate (Appellate Tribunal under §15). No appeal by child if no maintenance ordered against them.
Important caveats
- This is a template. Many states have specific forms — check district website first.
- If physical abuse — file FIR FIRST under §24 of this Act and applicable BNS sections. This tribunal route is for maintenance/property only.
- Cannot run parallel §144 BNSS magistrate case — pick one route. Senior Citizens Act is faster.
- For complex inheritance / property title disputes, consult a lawyer (link below).
Need a lawyer? Find a verified senior-citizens lawyer →