THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The incidents of elderly parents being tortured and ill-treated by their children are on the rise in Kerala. Although news regarding such brutal incidents often surfaces along with the video footage, there is no reduction in such incidents in the state. The state government is now planning to intensify action against those who ill-treat their parents. Those who do not look after their parents will have to face legal action.

A committee appointed by the government has recommended an amendment to the law that would give parents the right to evict their children or heirs who torture or ill-treat them. The committee also recommended that there should be a special police cell system to ensure the protection of elderly parents. Separate policemen should be appointed in each station for this purpose.

Elderly parents have the right to submit a complaint with the District Magistrate to have their children and heirs removed from their residence if they are mistreated or neglected by their children. The District Magistrate must forward this application to the Sub Divisional Magistrate within fifteen days. The Sub Divisional Magistrate should submit a report within 21 days. The District Magistrate will notify the parties in question if it is found that the complaint is valid. If children or heirs do not move out of the house within 30 days, the Magistrate can initiate eviction proceedings against them with the help of the police.

The High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear the petition against the order of the Magistrate. It is also recommended to establish a special police unit in the districts headed by an officer of not less than DySP rank to ensure the security of the elderly.