T’puram: Govt will introduce a comprehensive legislation in the assembly on Tuesday to protect senior citizens from abuse, neglect and exploitation, proposing imprisonment of up to three years for those who violate their rights.Kerala Senior Citizens (Care and Protection) Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the welfare of elderly people, including stricter action against physical, mental and emotional abuse, abandonment, financial exploitation and denial of essential care.A key feature of the proposed legislation is the regulation of senior citizen care centres through compulsory registration, inspections and monitoring. Those operating such facilities without valid registration, or continuing operations after their registration expires or is cancelled, may face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to Rs 25,000, or both.The bill provides for the establishment of state-level and district-level mechanisms to monitor care facilities, investigate complaints and ensure compliance with official directions. District-level protection units will be required to investigate complaints and submit reports to the district protection forum within 15 days of receiving them.The proposed law also envisages action against unauthorised care centres, including closure and rehabilitation of residents wherever necessary. A State Senior Citizen Protection Unit will be established in Thiruvananthapuram, while district-level protection forums are proposed to be set up within three months of the Act coming into force. District-level protection units will be established within six months.The legislation seeks to protect elderly people from property fraud, financial exploitation and coercion. It also provides for action against children or legal heirs who fail to provide prescribed maintenance to their elderly parents or relatives.To improve access to justice, the bill proposes measures to expedite the disposal of complaints and strengthen institutional accountability. Special police cyber cells are expected to prioritise complaints of cyberfraud involving senior citizens.The proposed legislation recognises the right of senior citizens to live with dignity, access affordable care and legal assistance, and use public facilities suited to their needs. It also seeks to promote ageing at home, treating institutional care as a last resort wherever possible.Govt aims to strengthen the support system for Keralam’s ageing population by improving standards of care, supporting family members and caregivers, and ensuring effective enforcement of senior citizens’ rights.The bill, once enacted, is expected to provide a more accountable regulatory framework for elderly care facilities and strengthen safeguards against abuse and neglect across the state.
