The Madras High Court has suggested that senior citizens who fall victim to fraudsters should be paid a minimum compensation of 30% of the value of the jewels or cash lost, or ₹5 lakh, whichever is lower, from the Victim Compensation Fund if the culprits remain untraced.

Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy made the observation while disposing of a petition filed by 68-year-old P. Krishnaveni of Ma.Po.Si. Nagar, Tiruvallur district. The petitioner, who was duped of 17.5 sovereigns of jewellery in 2018, had sought a direction to police to complete the investigation. The government informed the court that the police had already filed an “untraceable report,” with liberty to reopen the case if fresh clues emerged.

The judge said he was suggesting only a “bare minimum” compensation, and that the state government could fix an even higher quantum. He noted that scams targeting senior citizens were on the rise, both in public places and at their residences, and stressed that courts could not ignore the mental agony suffered by the elderly.

Pointing out that the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) emphasises citizen protection, Justice Chakravarthy observed that Section 396 of the law provides for victim compensation in cases where offenders cannot be traced. He criticised the existing Tamil Nadu Victim Compensation Scheme, framed in 2013, for capping payouts at just ₹1 lakh, and called for a significant upward revision.

In Krishnaveni’s case, the court noted that she had been duped while on her way to a medical test with her husband, when two men posing as policemen persuaded her to place her jewellery and cash into a bag, before fleeing with it. Considering the current gold price of around ₹75,000 per sovereign, the court held she was entitled to ₹4 lakh in compensation.

The judge directed the Tiruvallur District Legal Services Authority to send a para-legal volunteer to assist the petitioner with her application and ensure the amount is delivered by demand draft or bank transfer within 12 weeks. He added that the compensation must be returned if the police later trace the culprits and recover the valuables.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has stressed on the need for a strong remedial system to address the problems faced by the elderly. He also said the health system needs to be restructured to meet their needs.

In this regard, Venkaiah Naidu said on his Facebook page on Sunday. He started by telling the story of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Murugan who were asked to go around the world in the shortest time and win the ‘Gnana Pazham’. While Lord Murugan set about on his peacock, Lord Vinayaka went around his parents and won the fruit.

“I feel so sad when I know about incidents like neglecting, abandoning and disrespecting elders. The way a society treats their elders reflects their culture and values”, he said.

“The elderly are a repository of knowledge and wisdom. They should be treated with respect, love, attention and dignity in their final days. Caring for adults is a sacred duty of all, including young people. Parents need to teach their children the steps to ensure that adults live comfortable, happy, and fulfilling lives. Old age homes not only highlight changes in society but also sadly reflect the decline of family values. Cultural values ​​and traditions are preserved in the joint family system. We leave these for generations. But today’s lifestyle plays a major role in causing the worst effects.” the Vice President noted.

He also quoted some important facts from the Senior Population Status Report published by Indian Association of Parliament on Population and Development that he released last week. According to the report, the proportion of the elderly in the Indian population has been increasing. By 2050, 20% of the Indian population will be elderly. Most of the elderly in India live alone or depend on their children for their financial and emotional needs. Crisis in urban areas and small houses are the reasons why children leave their parents in their hometown.”

Mentioning the various schemes for the elderly  – Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, Senior Citizens Welfare Fund and other social security schemes brought about by the government, he said that despite that the elderly face problems.

“We still see senior citizens facing great difficulties in accessing various services. Elderly people often stand for a long time in banks, government offices, buses and trains.”, Vice President Venkiah Naid said.

He emphasized that special care and attention be given to the elderly during the COVID19.

Even in the Parliament, few questions have been raised about the problems of the elderly.

He said a strong system was needed to address the grievances of the elderly in this situation. “Government officials and people need to focus on raising awareness on the issues related to adults. They need to introduce a strong complaints solving section to resolve the problems they are facing. There needs to be changes in the Indian health system to meet the health needs of adults, including insurance coverage.”, he said.

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