DEVELOPING A STRUCTURED MEDIATION FRAMEWORK FOR ELDERLY RIGHTS PROTECTION IN INDIA WITH REFERENCE TO MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

India, in recent years, is experiencing 12% in the elderly and ageing populations. An increase in longevity among the population demographics is considered to be one of the indicators of positive social development, but it is leading to emerging socio-legal challenges. The elderly individuals face emotional abuse, are financially exploited, face neglect, property-related disputes, abandonment, and are denied Healthcare and social support. There is the existence of the Senior Citizens Act of 2007 and Maintenance and Welfare of Parents, but many of the senior citizens still are not able to access timely, effective justice. The traditional litigation process in India is expensive, lengthy, and emotionally exhausting, making the legal system inaccessible for the vulnerable elderly population. The main aim of the article is to examine the nature of Elderly rights violations that are faced by elderly persons in Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, and it is going to evaluate the role of mediation as an effective way of resolving disputes. The article is going to prove that mediation is a more accessible, compassionate, and cost-effective approach that helps in resolving elderly-related disputes while there is preservation of family relationships by promoting restorative justice. The study is going to explore the legal framework, policy reforms, and institutional challenges that are necessary to integrate within the mediation process so that the elder justice system in India is enhanced.