Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on Older Persons during the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council (9 September - 11 October 2024), delivered by Mr. Muhammed Shabeer K, Under Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 13 Sep 2024

Mr. President,
     We take note of the Independent Expert’s report of the Legal Capacity and informed consent experienced by older persons.
2. In India, safeguarding informed consent for elderly individuals, particularly in medical and research contexts, involves several key measures, which includes Adherence to the Indian legal framework, including the Indian Contract Act, and the guidelines set by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), ensures that consent is valid and informed.
3. The Mental Health Care Act, 2017 aims to protect the rights of individuals, including older persons, by ensuring that decisions are made with their informed consent, whenever possible. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 provides a framework for the welfare of older persons, including the right to maintenance and protection from neglect.
4. Government of India has launched the ‘Elder Line’, a toll-free helpline offering free guidance on pensions and legal matters, emotional support, and intervention in cases of abuse and homelessness. Additionally, the newly introduced Quality of Life for Elderly Index evaluates the well-being of our aging population across States and Union Territories.
Mr. President,
5. Anticipating that our elderly population will reach approximately 20%—or over 300 million individuals—by 2050, we are dedicated to fostering a society where seniors lead healthy, empowered, dignified, and self-reliant lives, supported by robust social and inter-generational bonds.
I thank you.