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Keralam Introduces Landmark Bill to Protect and Care for Senior Citizens
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News18•13-10-2026, 17:00
Keralam Introduces Landmark Bill to Protect and Care for Senior Citizens
- •Keralam has introduced the Senior Citizens Care and Protection of Rights Bill, 2026, aiming to become the first state in India with such comprehensive legislation.
- •The proposed law introduces strict penalties, including fines and jail terms up to three years, for abusing the elderly, illegal property possession, or operating unregistered care centres.
- •It establishes a State Senior Citizens Protection Unit and district-level forums to oversee implementation, monitor care facilities, and address complaints of neglect and exploitation.
- •The Bill mandates strict registration and regulation for elderly care homes, day-care centres, and home-care agencies, alongside measures to improve caregiver training and standards.
- •Special provisions are included to protect seniors from cybercrimes and financial fraud, while ensuring better access to healthcare, legal assistance, and digital services.
Key Questions Answered
The Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework to protect senior citizens from abuse and exploitation, regulate care centers, and ensure better access to healthcare and social security.
Operating a care center without registration or failing to renew it can result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to Rs 25,000, or both.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone in charge of a care centre or any family member, relative, or legal heir who illegally possesses a senior citizen's property faces imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 50,000.
