Bombay High Court Protects 76-Year-Old Abandoned Mother, Orders State to Ensure Medical Care and Property Safeguards
Court Calls Son’s Conduct ‘Unpardonable’, Bars Him from Misusing Mother’s Assets
Judges Stress Elderly Citizens’ Right to Dignified Life and Direct State to Step In if Family Fails
By Our Legal Correspondent New Delhi: November 23, 2025:
In a case that has shocked the conscience of the judiciary, the Bombay High Court has intervened to protect a 76-year-old woman abandoned by her son at Bandra’s Holy Family Hospital. The Court issued strict directions to ensure her medical care, dignity, and property rights, calling the son’s conduct “unpardonable” and warning that the State must step in if he fails to fulfil his responsibilities.
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The ruling highlights the growing concern over elder neglect in India and reinforces the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights of senior citizens under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
Background of the Case
The elderly woman, identified as Mohini Puri, had been admitted to Holy Family Hospital in August 2025. Despite her critical condition, her son Amit Puri allegedly refused to take responsibility for her treatment, failed to clear hospital dues, and even raised allegations of medical negligence without seeking her discharge.
The hospital approached the High Court, seeking directions to ensure the patient’s care. The Division Bench of Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale and Justice A.S. Gadkari took up the matter, expressing deep concern over the son’s abandonment and the lack of empathy shown by authorities.
Court’s Observations
- Unpardonable conduct: The Bench described the son’s abandonment of his mother as “unpardonable” and “very unfortunate.”
- Right to dignity: The Court emphasized that senior citizens are entitled to a dignified and healthy life, and their medical needs must be prioritized.
- State responsibility: If the son fails to act, the State must take over her medical care and ensure her protection.
- Property safeguards: The Court barred the son from dealing with his mother’s assets, including her Bandra West flat, without prior permission. He was directed to file an affidavit detailing all movable and immovable properties owned or possessed by his mother.
- Criticism of authorities: The Court criticized the Senior Citizens Tribunal and Bandra Police for their “inaction and lack of empathy,” stressing that institutions must act swiftly in such cases.
Broader Context: Elder Neglect in India
This case is not an isolated incident. Across India, courts have repeatedly intervened to protect senior citizens abandoned or harassed by their families. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 empowers authorities to order eviction of abusive heirs and ensure maintenance.
Recent cases include:
- Delhi High Court (2025): Ruled that senior citizens need not prove ill-treatment to seek eviction under the Act.
- Punjab & Haryana High Court (2024): Upheld eviction orders against children harassing elderly parents.
- Supreme Court (2022): Stressed that welfare legislation must be interpreted liberally to protect vulnerable groups.
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These rulings collectively highlight the judiciary’s proactive role in safeguarding the rights of India’s elderly population.
Implications of the Ruling
- Strengthened legal protections: Elderly citizens can rely on the judiciary to protect their rights even when family fails.
- Accountability for heirs: Children cannot misuse parental property or neglect their duties without facing legal consequences.
- State responsibility: The ruling reinforces that the government must step in to protect vulnerable citizens when families fail.
- Public awareness: The case raises awareness about elder neglect and the importance of legal remedies under the Senior Citizens Act.
Expert Opinions
- Senior advocates noted that the judgment sends a strong message that abandonment of parents will not be tolerated.
- Social workers emphasized that the ruling empowers elderly citizens to seek legal remedies without fear.
- Medical professionals highlighted the importance of hospitals approaching courts when families abandon patients, ensuring continuity of care.
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Conclusion
The Bombay High Court’s ruling in the case of Mohini Puri is a landmark in protecting the rights of senior citizens. By calling the son’s conduct “unpardonable,” barring him from misusing her property, and directing the State to step in if necessary, the Court has reinforced the principle that elderly citizens are entitled to dignity, care, and protection.
For India’s growing elderly population, this judgment is a reassurance that the law stands firmly on their side. It also serves as a reminder to families that caring for parents is not just a moral duty but a legal obligation.
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- Bombay High Court elderly woman abandoned ruling
- Mohini Puri case Holy Family Hospital
- Son abandons Mother Bombay HC strict directions
- Senior Citizens Act 2007 Bombay HC judgment
- Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale elderly rights ruling
- Justice A.S. Gadkari Bombay HC senior citizen case
- Bandra Holy Family Hospital elderly abandonment case
- Bombay HC bars son from misusing mother’s property
- Elder neglect India High Court rulings
- Senior citizens right to dignity Bombay HC
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