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The Delhi High Court took suo motu cognizance of the poor implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The proceedings have been initiated by the court on the basis of a letter written by an advocate, Neha Rai, who highlighted the current state of affairs in implementation of the Act. 

The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Delhi government, District Legal Service Authorities, District magistrate, and all the Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) in Delhi. 

Rai, who wrote the letter, has stated that statutory authorities, particularly the District Magistrate and Sub Divisional Magistrate, have failed to implement the Act at all. She further stated that there has also been a failure to attend to appeals made by senior citizens and a denial of the reliefs demanded by them, putting their existence in jeopardy. 

The Delhi Government, District Legal Service Authorities, District Magistrate and all the Sub Divisional Magistrates have been directed to file their replies. The court has also instructed them to file a status report on individual complaints filed under the 2007 Act received by the authorities from Jauary 1, 2022 and the time taken by the said authorities to act on the complaints. 

The Delhi High Court has also directed the respondents to ensure that the relevant helpline numbers are active and functioning. 

Cause Title: - Delhi High Court On its Own Motion v GNCTD