A parent in Chennai whose children have stopped supporting them does not have to file a civil suit. Under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, they can apply to a Maintenance Tribunal, which must decide within 90 days of serving notice on the children. No lawyer is needed, and lawyers are in fact barred from appearing for either side under Section 17.
The Act requires a tribunal in every revenue sub-division, presided over by an officer not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Officer. In Tamil Nadu that is the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), so a Chennai parent’s case starts at the RDO’s office for their area. This guide walks through the application: where it goes, what to bring and what follows.
Who can apply, and against whom
- Parents, whether biological, adoptive or step-parents, and grandparents, can claim against adult children and grandchildren. A parent need not be 60.
- Childless senior citizens aged 60 or above can claim against a relative who has sufficient means and either holds their property or will inherit it. Where several relatives qualify, each pays in proportion to their share of the inheritance.
- Someone else can apply on behalf of a senior who is unable to, including a person or a registered organisation they authorise. The tribunal can also act on its own.
Maintenance covers food, clothing, housing and medical treatment. The claim can be filed against one or more children together.
Filing at the RDO’s office in Chennai
Chennai district is split into revenue divisions, each under an RDO. The case can be filed where the parent lives or last lived, or where the child lives (Section 6), which helps when a son lives in another city. Practical steps:
- Find your RDO. Ask at your taluk office which revenue division covers your address.
- Write the application. There is usually a prescribed form; if not, a plain petition works. Include your age, the names and addresses of your children, what they earn as far as you know, your own income, your monthly expenses and medical needs, and what you are asking for.
- Attach proof. Age proof, Aadhaar, any pension or bank statement, medical bills, and documents showing family relationships.
- Ask for interim maintenance. The tribunal can order a monthly allowance while the case is pending.
- Attend the hearing. The tribunal can summon the children, take evidence on oath and decide ex parte if a child deliberately avoids notice.
The tribunal may send the matter to a conciliation officer first, who must report within a month. The Act also lets the parent be represented by the Maintenance Officer, a post the state fills with the District Social Welfare Officer or an equivalent officer (Section 18).
What the tribunal can order
The monthly allowance is capped at ₹10,000 under Section 9, with the state free to set a lower maximum. The tribunal can later change the amount if circumstances change. Copies of the order are free.
If a child does not pay, the tribunal can issue a warrant for recovery and send the child to prison for up to a month for each month’s unpaid amount, or until payment is made. An application to recover arrears has to be filed within three months of the amount falling due, so do not let unpaid months pile up.
Property given away on a promise of care
Section 23 is often the most important part. If a parent transferred property, by gift or settlement, on the condition that the child would look after them, and the child then fails to provide basic amenities and physical needs, the tribunal can declare the transfer void at the parent’s option. Keep any document or letter that shows the condition. A lawyer can advise on drafting such conditions into a settlement deed in future.
Appeals and offences
Either side unhappy with the order may appeal to the Appellate Tribunal, presided over by an officer not below District Magistrate rank, which in Tamil Nadu is the District Collector. The appeal must be filed within 60 days, though a late appeal can be admitted for good reason, and payments continue meanwhile. The appellate body aims to decide within a month.
Abandoning a senior citizen in one’s care, with intent to leave them for good, is a separate offence under Section 24, punishable with up to three months in jail, a ₹5,000 fine, or both. A complaint can be made to the police.
A 2019 amendment bill would remove the ₹10,000 cap and widen “children” to include children-in-law, PRS records. It was introduced in December 2019 and a standing committee reported in January 2021, but PRS does not show it as passed, so the 2007 rules still apply.
Where else to get help
- Elderline 14567, the Ministry of Social Justice’s national helpline for senior citizens, listed on the ministry’s site.
- Free legal aid from the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority, on its toll-free line 1800 4252 441 or NALSA’s 15100 (TNSLSA helpline page), for advice and for any related civil or criminal case.
Lawyers cannot appear before the tribunal, but for a property dispute or appeal it is wise to consult one beforehand.
Quick answers
Who hears maintenance cases for parents in Chennai?
The Maintenance Tribunal headed by the Revenue Divisional Officer for your area. Appeals go to the District Collector.
How much maintenance can parents get?
Up to ₹10,000 a month under the 2007 Act.
How long does it take?
The tribunal must decide within 90 days of notice, extendable once by 30 days.
Can a gift deed to a son be cancelled?
Yes, if it was made on condition of care and he fails to provide it, the tribunal can declare it void.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
