Supreme Court Directs Petitioner to Approach Patna High Court Over Old Age Homes in Bihar

New Delhi, May 18  The Supreme Court on Monday asked a petitioner seeking directions to the Bihar government for establishing and maintaining old age homes in every district of the state to approach the Patna High Court.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the jurisdictional high court would be the most appropriate forum to examine the matter.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel referred to a pending plea before the apex court that seeks the establishment of old age homes with basic healthcare facilities across the country.

The counsel argued that directions previously issued by the Supreme Court, along with provisions under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, were not being properly implemented in Bihar.

“You approach the high court. The high court is the best institution to examine these issues,” the bench remarked.

The petitioner had also challenged a Bihar government circular related to old age homes.

The Supreme Court noted that the plea alleged the closure of certain old age homes in Bihar and the proposed relocation of their residents to other facilities.

According to the petition, nearly 25 to 30 residents of an old age home in Muzaffarpur were likely to be shifted to different districts.

The bench observed that the issues raised in the petition could be effectively adjudicated by the Patna High Court.

The Supreme Court subsequently disposed of the plea while granting liberty to the petitioner to move the high court.

The bench also requested the Patna High Court to take cognisance of the matter and ensure compliance with directions previously issued by the apex court.