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Mumbai High Court has announced that it would give out-of-turn priority to
hearing and disposal of petitions wherein litigants have crossed 65 years of
age. The High Court decision would also be applicable to its benches at Goa,
Aurangabad and Nagpur besides the subordinate courts in the State. It would
extend to all the matters including civil or criminal pending in any court of law.
Union Minister for Law and Justice wrote to the Chief Ministers of all States
to set up Fast Track Courts (FTCs) for speedy disposal of cases. In order
of disposal due priority is given to more vulnerable segments like elderly.
Separate track of courts for senior citizens would be immensely useful to
dispose of all cases, civil, criminal, and pending at district level. In case
additional courts can’t be created for this purpose, then administrative
arrangements like: in case of two FTCs, one may be earmarked to deal
exclusively with cases involving senior citizens; in case of one FTC,
instructions may be issued for deal with all cases involving elderly on
priority; all cases pertaining to elderly may be transferred to the nearest
FTC; all civil matters involving elderly may also be transferred to the FTC
earmarked for senior citizens.
Source: DO No 1211/2/2003-Jus(M) 1728 dated 10th July 2003. Copy available
on http://socialjustice.nic.in/pdf/lawministertochiefminister.pdf
(iv) Special Scheme for Sanskrit Pandits above the age of 55 years:-
The ones who have earned their livelihood by teaching Sanskrit & presently
doesn’t have any other income source are given financial assistance to the
extent of Rs. 10,000/- .
(v) Magazines for the Elderly:-
The publications deal with a wide spectrum of issues, starting from the
indignity of elder abuse to alternative medicine, to some philosophy and
some inspirational material. Moreover, they provide a forum for the elderly
to express their opinions and creativity. The contact details are :
Dignity Dialogue Dignity Foundation BMC School Building
Topiwala Lane Off Lamington Road
Grant Road (East) Mumbai 400 007
Tel No: 022-23898079, 23841845, 23814356
Fax: 022-23898082
Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.dignityfoundation.com