Overview
- The Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026 was passed unanimously after subject-committee review and cross-bench amendments were accepted by Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
- The law establishes a package of statutory rights for people aged 60 and over, including provisions aimed at preventing abuse, neglect and illegal possession of seniors’ property.
- The bill sets criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for abusing senior citizens, unlawfully holding their property and operating unregistered elderly care centres.
- The measure, passed on Monday, now requires the Governor’s assent and the drafting of implementing rules, registration and inspection systems, and funding before its protections can be enforced.
- Keralam’s move is reported as the country’s first comprehensive state-level senior citizens statute and could shape future policy by creating standards for care homes, health access and a ‘silver economy’ approach to elder contribution.