FAM-MNT-016Maintenance & Alimony

Elder Eviction under MWPSC Act 2007

By G R HariReviewed 3 May 20264 min read

Quick Answer

Elder Eviction is a legal remedy under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (MWPSC Act) that allows senior citizens to evict their children or legal heirs from their self-acquired property if they fail to maintain them or if the senior citizen is abused or neglected. This page explains the process, eligibility, and key forms involved.

Elder Eviction under MWPSC Act 2007 — detailed explanation below

Governing Act — Elder Eviction

The primary law governing elder eviction is the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (MWPSC Act). Section 23 of the Act empowers a Tribunal to order the eviction of a son, daughter, or legal heir from the self-acquired property of a senior citizen if they fail to maintain the senior citizen or if the senior citizen is subjected to abuse or neglect. The Act also provides for the protection of life and property of senior citizens.


Government Department & Website for Elder Eviction

The application for elder eviction is filed before the Maintenance Tribunal constituted under the MWPSC Act. Each district has a Maintenance Tribunal, often presided over by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or a similar officer. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment oversees the implementation of the Act. For more information, visit the official website: https://socialjustice.nic.in.


Elder Eviction Application Process

The process for elder eviction under the MWPSC Act involves the following steps:

  1. Filing an Application: The senior citizen (or a registered organization) files an application before the Maintenance Tribunal in the district where the senior citizen resides or where the property is located.
  2. Notice to the Respondent: The Tribunal issues notice to the child or legal heir (respondent) to show cause why eviction should not be ordered.
  3. Hearing: Both parties are heard. The Tribunal examines evidence of neglect, abuse, or failure to maintain.
  4. Order: If satisfied, the Tribunal passes an order directing eviction of the respondent from the senior citizen's self-acquired property.
  5. Appeal: An appeal against the Tribunal's order lies before the Appellate Tribunal (usually the District Magistrate).

Key Forms Required for Elder Eviction

While the MWPSC Act does not prescribe specific forms, the application for elder eviction typically includes:

  • Application Form: A written petition stating the facts, relationship, and grounds for eviction.
  • Affidavit: Sworn statement by the senior citizen supporting the application.
  • Proof of Property: Documents showing self-acquired ownership (e.g., sale deed, gift deed, mutation records).
  • Proof of Relationship: Birth certificates, ration card, or other documents showing the respondent is a child or legal heir.
  • Evidence of Neglect/Abuse: Medical reports, police complaints, or witness statements.

It is advisable to consult a maintenance lawyer India to prepare the application correctly.


Eligibility Criteria for Elder Eviction

To file for elder eviction under the MWPSC Act, the following conditions must be met:

  • Senior Citizen: The applicant must be a senior citizen (60 years or older) or a parent (any age) as defined under Section 2(h) of the Act.
  • Self-Acquired Property: The property from which eviction is sought must be self-acquired by the senior citizen (not inherited ancestral property).
  • Failure to Maintain or Abuse: The respondent (son, daughter, or legal heir) must have failed to maintain the senior citizen, or subjected them to abuse, neglect, or harassment.
  • No Other Remedy: The senior citizen must not have any other adequate remedy available.

Timeline for Elder Eviction

The MWPSC Act does not prescribe a fixed timeline for disposal of elder eviction applications. However, the Tribunal is expected to dispose of matters expeditiously. The process involves filing, notice, hearing, and order. The duration depends on the court's caseload and the complexity of the case. A maintenance lawyer India can provide guidance on the expected procedural steps.


Fees for Elder Eviction

The fees for filing an elder eviction application under the MWPSC Act are minimal. Below is an indicative table of government-prescribed fees (subject to change):

Fee TypeAmount (INR)
Application Fee10
Affidavit Stamp10
Notice Fee20
Total40

Note: These fees are nominal and may vary by state. Legal fees for a maintenance lawyer India are separate and should be discussed directly.

Governing Law

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
Section 60

Frequently Asked Questions

What is elder eviction under the MWPSC Act?

Elder eviction is a legal process under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, where a senior citizen can evict their child or legal heir from their self-acquired property if the child fails to maintain them or subjects them to abuse or neglect.

Who can file for elder eviction?

A senior citizen (aged 60 or above) or a parent (any age) who owns self-acquired property can file for elder eviction against their son, daughter, or legal heir who has failed to maintain them or has abused them.

What is the role of a maintenance lawyer India in elder eviction?

A maintenance lawyer India can assist in drafting the application, gathering evidence, representing the senior citizen before the Maintenance Tribunal, and handling appeals if needed.

Can elder eviction be filed against a daughter-in-law?

The MWPSC Act allows eviction of a 'legal heir' which may include a daughter-in-law if she is in possession of the property and fails to maintain the senior citizen. However, the primary respondents are usually sons and daughters.

What evidence is needed for elder eviction?

Evidence includes proof of self-acquired property (sale deed, mutation), relationship documents (birth certificate, ration card), and proof of neglect or abuse (medical reports, police complaints, witness statements).

Is elder eviction applicable to ancestral property?

No, elder eviction under the MWPSC Act applies only to self-acquired property of the senior citizen. Ancestral property is governed by different laws.