Virender Singh, C.J. - (1.) An important issue concerning the welfare of the parents and senior citizens in the present society has been raised in the present writ petition. The joint family concept in our country has perhaps been long forgotten. New generation likes to move on leaving their old parents at the mercy of the God. There is absolute -absence of social security system in our country to take care of the older generation. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is a step forward for the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens. One of the prayers in the writ petition is for a direction upon the respondent -State to frame rules under Sec. 30 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. Mr. Rajesh Kumar, the learned G.P. -V submits that the State Government has already framed rules under Sec. 30 called the "Jharkhand Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules, 2013".
(2.) Another prayer in the writ petition is to direct the respondent Nos. 1 & 2 to take immediate steps for establishing "Old Age Homes" in each district of the State.
(3.) Mr. Mahesh Tewari, the learned counsel for the petitioner referring to Sec. 20 of the Act submits that the essential medical support for senior citizens ensuring that - - "20. Medical support for senior citizens. - -The -State Government shall ensure that, - - (i) the Government hospitals or hospitals funded fully or partially by the Government shall provide beds for all senior citizens as far as possible; (ii) separate queues be arranged for senior citizens; (iii) facility for treatment of chronic, terminal and degenerative diseases is expanded for senior citizens; (iv) research activities for chronic elderly diseases and ageing is expanded; (v) there are earmarked facilities for geriatric patients in every district hospital duly headed by a medical officer with experience in geriatric care." have not yet been ensured by the State Government. It has been further submitted that the State Government in terms of Sec. 22 has yet not conferred powers and imposed duties on the District Magistrates for ensuring proper implementation of the provisions of the Act. It is submitted that a direction may be issued to the concerned authorities, to begin with, to establish at least one "Old Age Home" at Ranchi:;