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Section 18: Maintenance Officer

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide

Statutory Regulation
Legal Standard
Competent Court / Tribunal
Act 2007
Section 17 All 32 Sections of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 Section 19

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 18

Section 18 provides for the statutory designation of the Maintenance Officer to represent and assist senior citizens during maintenance proceedings before the Tribunal.

  • Maintenance Officer Designation: The State Government shall designate the District Social Welfare Officer or an officer not below that rank as Maintenance Officer.
  • Statutory Representation: The Maintenance Officer may represent the parent if the parent so desires during the proceedings before the Tribunal.
  • Legal & Social Assistance: Acts as an institutional representative for destitute, infirm, or illiterate senior citizens unable to afford private counsel or articulate claims.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Sunny Paul v. State (NCT of Delhi) 2018 SCC OnLine Del 11640: The High Court noted that the statutory infrastructure under Section 18 ensures that indigent senior citizens are not denied justice for lack of legal aid.
  • Paramjit Kumar Saroya v. Union of India (2014) SCC OnLine P&H 10864: Observed that while Maintenance Officers provide administrative assistance under Section 18, they do not displace the assistance of qualified legal practitioners.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

For indigent elderly clients who cannot pay legal fees, coordinate with the District Social Welfare Officer designated under Section 18. The Maintenance Officer is statutorily mandated to prepare the application and argue the claim before the SDM free of charge.

Section 17 All 32 Sections of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 Section 19