Published Paper Details:

The demographic transition in India has reached a critical juncture, with the elderly population projected to comprise nearly 12.4% of the total population by 2026. This rapid graying, coupled with the erosion of traditional joint family structures, has rendered a significant portion of the "silver population" vulnerable to neglect, financial exploitation, and physical abuse. This study examines the socio-legal dimensions of elderly protection in India, analyzing the effectiveness of existing legislative frameworks, primarily the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007, and its proposed amendments in 2025. By evaluating the regulatory response through a socio-legal lens, this research highlights the persistent gap between statutory intent and infrastructural reality, advocating for a shift from a reactive, litigation-based system to a proactive, "Shared Responsibility Model" that guarantees the Right to Age with Dignity.