IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 09.12.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA

K.Singaram ... Petitioner

Vs.

1. The District Collector,

Salem District.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer,

Attur Division, Salem District.

3. The Superintendent of Police ,

Salem Police Department,

Salem District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Veerakanur Police Station,

Salem District – 636116.

5. Mrs.Jayalakshmi 6. Mr. Senthilkumar

...Respondents

Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of Mandamus, directing the 1^st and 2^nd respondents to conduct an enquiry and protect the life petitioner’s property under the provisions of Tamil Nadu Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules 2009 by passing orders on the representation

dated 22.05.2025.

For Petitioner : Mr.T.Velu For Respondents : M/s.S.Anitha, Spl.GP. for R.1 & R.2.

: M/s.J. Subbiah, Govt. Advocate (Crl.Side)

for R.3 & R.4.

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:-

“directing the 1st and 2nd respondents to conduct an enquiry and protect the life petitioner’s property under the provisions of Tamil Nadu Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules 2009 by passing orders on the representation dated 22.05.2025.”

2. The brief facts are as follows:-

2.1. The petitioner is a senior citizen aged about 65 years. She has three daughters, namely, Muthulakshmi, Jayalakshmi, and Santhi, all of whom are married and living separately with their respective husbands, except Santhi, whose husband is no more. The said Santhi and her children are residing with the petitioner and taking care of her.

2.2. The petitioner had purchased a property comprised in S.No.258/3 at Vellaiyur Village, Thalaivasal Taluk, Salem District, measuring an extent of 1 acre 33 cents. The petitioner, being the absolute owner of the said property, settled the same in favour of her daughter Santhi vide Settlement Deed dated 16.05.2025, registered as Document No.1514/2025.

2.3. On 16.05.2025, the petitioner’s other daughter, Jayalakshmi, along with her husband, created a ruckus and physically assaulted the petitioner and her daughter, Santhi, demanding the transfer of the petitioner’s self-acquired property in her favour. Thereafter, on several occasions, the said Jayalakshmi and her husband threatened and harassed the petitioner.

2.4. Aggrieved by such continuous ill-treatment and threat, on

16.05.2025 and 22.05.2025, the petitioner had lodged complaints against the said Jayalakshmi and her husband before the 4th respondent. However, no action has been taken against the said Jayalakshmi and her husband to date and the complaints are still pending at the enquiry stage.

2.5. As no action has been taken by the 4^th respondent, the petitioner had made a representation dated 22.05.2025 under the provisions of Section 20(2)(i) Tamil Nadu Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules, 2009, to the 1st and the 2^nd respondents, seeking protection of her life and property from the said Jayalakshmi and her husband, namely, Senthilkumar. However, the said representation has not been disposed of till date. Hence, the Writ Petition.

3. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the records.

4. Considering the fact that it is the statutory duty of the respondents under the Tamil Nadu Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules, 2009 to ensure the protection of the life and property of senior citizens, the respondents 1 and 2 are directed to consider and dispose of the petitioner’s representation dated 22.05.2025 on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. Accordingly, the Writ Petition stands allowed. No costs.

09.12.2025 (shr)

Index : Yes/No Speaking Order: Yes/No Neutral Citation : Yes/No To

1. The District Collector, Salem District.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Attur Division, Salem District.

3. The Superintendent of