The ‘Kerala Senior Citizens Care and Rights Protection Bill, 2026,’ introduced with the aim of ensuring the welfare, dignity, and rights of senior citizens in Kerala, was tabled in the Legislative Assembly and passed by voice vote.
Under this law, deliberately abandoning or deserting senior citizens and leaving them in old age homes or any other place without their consent has been declared a serious offense.
Similarly, offenses such as torturing, abusing, and unlawfully seizing the property of senior citizens will also be punishable with imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine of up to Rs. 50,000.
Furthermore, the cruel behavior of family members that forces senior citizens to leave their own homes or causes them mental distress will also be considered a heinous offense under this law.
Verbal abuse against the elderly, coercive restrictions, sexual violence, financial fraud, causing physical, mental, and emotional harm, neglecting the basic necessities required for a dignified life, and denying essential goods and services—all of these have been brought within the scope of torture under this law.

Similarly, if doctors or care centers discover that elderly people have been subjected to abuse or exploitation, they must inform the relevant authorities within 48 hours.
If this information is concealed or if they fail to report it without valid reason, a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 will be imposed. The law also provides that online crimes that deceive elderly people will be treated as serious cyber fraud and action will be taken.
Speaking about this bill in the assembly, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said, "This is an exemplary piece of legislation that the Kerala Legislative Assembly can be proud of."
Opposition MLA K.N. Balagopal said that, along with the amendment proposals put forward in this law, this legislation is a new milestone.

A separate 'State Elderly Welfare and Protection Fund' will be created for the welfare of senior citizens. In this, priority will be given to providing shelter in government care centers for widowed women, persons with disabilities, the destitute, and women affected by violence.
In addition, special care centers will be started by the government exclusively for elderly people affected by neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Within 3 months of this law coming into force, an “Elderly Cyber Division” must be mandatorily established in all cyber police stations in the state. In addition, at every police station, a police officer not below the rank of Assistant Inspector will be appointed as the officer in charge of elderly protection.
Furthermore, if elderly care centers are operated without the required government registration and license, a prison term of up to one year or a fine of Rs. 25,000, or both, will be imposed.
In addition, police department conduct certificates have been made mandatory for staff who stay with and care for the elderly.