In Brief
Dr. Ashwani Kumar filed a public interest petition seeking enforcement of fundamental rights for elderly persons aged 60 and above under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court recognized that elderly persons have fundamental constitutional rights to live with dignity (including adequate pension), shelter, and medical facilities/geriatric care. While acknowledging fiscal constraints, the Court held that Parliament's enactment of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 demonstrates intent to provide these protections and cannot later be excused on financial grounds. The Court issued a continuing mandamus directing the government to file status reports and take vigorous action to implement constitutional protections and statutory provisions for senior citizens.
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