Judicial Strengthening of Welfare of Senior Citizens in Goa, India: Interactions Between Cultural Norms and Formal Legal Systems with Special Reference to SDG 16

Abstract

According to the 2011 Census in India, the number of senior citizens (individuals aged 60 years and older) is 10.38 crore. The anticipated population of Senior Citizens aged 60 and above in the country for 2026 (as of March 1st) is estimated to be 17.32 crore, according to the study from the Technical Group on Population Projections established by the National Commission on Population. Traditionally and culturally senior citizens were respected and treated as Gods in India but presently they are encountering numerous challenges, one of which is insufficient or non-existent maintenance. The primary reason many senior persons in India turn to begging on the streets is the issue of financial support which is because of change in the cultural norms of the country over time. The Formal Indian Legal system and the Judiciary has assumed a proactive role in safeguarding the rights of senior citizens in India.  Every effort is made to ensure equitable access for senior citizens so as to have a harmonious interaction with the cultural norms of the country. The Sustainable Development Goals urges to foster harmonious and welcoming societies for sustainable development, ensure equitable access to justice for all, and establish effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at every level. The researcher in this study seeks to analyse the function of the Indian Legal System and the Judiciary and to observe the interaction of the cultural norms concerning the rights of senior citizens to get maintenance and proper welfare. The researcher in the present study has also collected data from the Honourable High Court of Bombay at Goa so as to ascertain the number of appeals filed in the State of Goa over the period from 2007 till 2024.