Kerala proposes jail term for family members who mentally harass elderly

The Kerala government is set to introduce groundbreaking legislation that could see family members jailed for up to three years for mentally harassing or forcefully abandoning elderly relatives. The Senior Citizens (Care and Protection) Bill 2026 will be presented in the state assembly on Tuesday.

Under the proposed law, acts causing psychological distress to senior citizens will be classified as cruelty, carrying penalties of up to three years imprisonment and fines reaching Rs 50,000. The legislation covers a broad definition of family members, including children, adopted children, in-laws, grandchildren, and in some cases, siblings.

The comprehensive bill extends beyond punitive measures, mandating that all residential buildings include at least one senior citizen-friendly room and requiring public spaces to be accessible to elderly persons. It also establishes state and district-level protection units, with designated police officers at every station to handle senior citizen issues.

Additional provisions include strict regulation of elderly care homes through minimum standards and registration requirements, with violators facing up to one year in prison. The legislation also addresses modern threats by establishing senior citizen cells in all cyber police stations to combat digital fraud targeting the elderly. Chief Minister V D Satheesan has described the law as revolutionary, potentially setting a national precedent for elderly care and protection.