The Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has been forced to step in repeatedly over the last six months, sounding the alarm on a deeply troubling social trend emerging in the state. The commission has taken suo motu cognisance of at least five separate incidents where elderly individuals were allegedly abandoned by their own families, left to fend for themselves without food, shelter, or medical care. These cases have exposed critical failures in both family support structures and the enforcement of laws designed to protect senior citizens.
A Pattern of Neglect and Institutional Response
Acting on complaints and reports, the TGHRC has intervened in a series of distressing situations. In each instance, the commission has directed local district administrations to provide immediate relief and submit detailed reports. The interventions themselves highlight a systemic problem: a worrying erosion of care for the elderly and the weak implementation of existing legal safeguards like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
The most recent case, taken up on December 18, involves Dappu Mallaiah, a senior citizen discovered living in extreme destitution on a footpath under the Rallaguda flyover in Shamshabad. The commission found prima facie evidence that his fundamental right to life with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution was violated, allegedly after his children abandoned him. It issued urgent directions to the Ranga Reddy district collector to ensure Mallaiah receives immediate shelter, food, healthcare, and protection, demanding a factual report by January 19.
Disturbing Cases from Across the Region
This is not an isolated incident. The commission's records paint a grim picture of neglect spanning several districts:
- On August 17, the TGHRC intervened for Shakunthala, an elderly woman abandoned near the Kamareddy railway station.
- On June 9, it took cognisance of the alleged neglect and ill-treatment of an elderly couple in Hanumakonda.
- In May, two more cases were flagged. One involved Lingamma, an elderly widow allegedly deserted by her son in Mahabubabad district. The other concerned Budavva (80), who was reportedly found tied up in a forest near Srirampur before being rescued.
Officials from the Ranga Reddy collectorate confirmed to the media that they have noticed an increase in such cases. They stated that the administration is actively taking steps to address the trend and extend support to the affected senior citizens.
The Call for Accountability and Stronger Safeguards
The repeated interventions by the human rights body underscore a severe societal and administrative crisis. The commission has consistently emphasized that abandoning the elderly raises grave human rights concerns. It has called for a multi-pronged solution:
- Stricter enforcement of existing elderly protection laws to ensure legal accountability.
- Greater family accountability, reinforcing the moral and legal duty of care.
- Stronger grassroots welfare mechanisms to ensure no senior citizen is left without a safety net.
The situation in Telangana, particularly around Hyderabad, serves as a stark reminder that legislation alone is insufficient without effective implementation and a societal commitment to caring for its oldest members. The commission's actions are a critical step, but reversing this distressing trend will require concerted effort from families, communities, and all levels of government.
