NGO asked to help rehabilitate senior citizen living in filthy conditions

The Bombay high court has asked NGO Helpage India and an Andheri-based hair stylist to provide relief and assistance to a senior citizen living in unsanitary conditions in a cottage on a plot at Versova.

The Bombay high court has asked NGO Helpage India and an Andheri-based hair stylist to provide relief and assistance to a senior citizen living in unsanitary conditions in a cottage on a plot at Versova.

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The court had earlier passed directions regarding the plight of the senior citizen Jayashree Gholkar, 65, who is reportedly staying in filthy surroundings with stray dogs.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a journalist and a hair stylist seeking for the implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, especially in view of this particular case.

One of the two petitioners, hair stylist Natasha Sara, had found a frail and ill Gholkar living in miserable condition.

Additional public prosecutor Aruna Kamat Pai on Monday informed a division bench of justice A M Khanwilkar and justice Mridula Bhatkar that the authorities have been unable to act on the earlier court directions because of the presence of the dogs at Gholkar’s home.

Pai said that Gholkar does not let anyone enter her house and that food and water is given her through the window.

Petitioner’s counsel Nitin Pradhan submitted that one of the petitioners is ready to assist the NGO to enter the house and take care of necessary relief that needs to be provided.

Meanwhile, Pai said that they would take the assistance of the BMC to clean the filth and drive away the stray dogs.

As for the dogs, Pradhan said that they would have to talk to Gholkar and see what can be done. The dogs guard her, Pradhan said.

The case has been adjourned for a week to report back on the progress made in the matter.