Protection Of Senior Citizen In India: A Socio- Legal Study
- IJLLR Journal
- Dec 17, 2025
- 1 min read
Malay Kumar Roy, Research Scholar, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Rajvardhan, Assistant Professor, School of Law & Jurisprudence, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
ABSTRACT
India is witnessing a demographic shift towards an ageing population, bringing the issues of senior citizen welfare and protection to the forefront. While traditional family structures have historically provided a safety net, rapid urbanization, migration, and changing socio-economic values have rendered this system fragile. This paper presents a socio-legal study examining the efficacy of India’s legal framework in protecting its elderly, with a specific focus on the metropolitan city of Kolkata, West Bengal. It analyzes key legislations like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and their implementation mechanisms. Through a review of secondary data, scholarly articles, and news reports, the study investigates the socio-cultural challenges faced by Kolkata’s elderly, including isolation, economic dependency, and property-related disputes. The findings indicate a significant gap between legislative intent and ground- level reality, characterized by inadequate infrastructure, procedural delays in tribunals, and low social awareness. The paper concludes with recommendations for a multi-stakeholder approach involving robust implementation, community-based support systems, and sensitization programs to ensure the dignity and rights of senior citizens in Kolkata and across India.
Keywords: Senior Citizens, Socio-Legal, Elder Abuse, Kolkata, Tribunals, Social Welfare.
