Kerala tables a Senior Citizens Bill with a protection unit in every district
13 October 2026
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan tabled the Keralam Senior Citizens' (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday and said it is the first legislation of its kind in the country.
The Bill provides for a State Senior Citizen Protection Unit and, in each district, a Senior Citizen Protection Forum with a Protection Unit to assist it.
Registered medical practitioners and senior care centres must report abuse, neglect or exploitation to the District Level Senior Citizen Protection Unit within 48 hours.
Cruelty towards a senior citizen carries a jail term of up to three years, and running an unregistered care centre is also made punishable.
Other provisions include a Senior Citizen Cyber Fraud Cell in every cyber police station, a Keralam Geriatric Care Certification Framework for caregivers, a State Register of Caregivers and a State reserve fund.
After the debate the Bill was referred to the Assembly's Subject Committee for detailed scrutiny.
In plain words
Subject Committee — A standing committee of the Kerala Assembly that examines a Bill clause by clause before the House takes it up again.
Living will — A document in which a person records in advance what medical care they want, or refuse, near the end of life.
Geriatric care — Health care planned for the specific needs of old age.