Kannur: The state Social Justice Department has shut down ‘Maithri Sadanam’, an old age home established by senior CPM leader EP Jayarajan in Kannur, citing the absence of mandatory approvals and inadequate living conditions. All nine residents were relocated to government and private elderly care facilities.

The facility, which began operations in 1996, had its last official recognition from the Orphanage Control Board in 2017. Since then, it has operated without renewal of approvals. Authorities found that the centre, located in a rented and deteriorating building on Mattammal Road, had not secured fitness or sanitary certificates for several years.

Officials observed serious lapses, including a leaking roof, falling concrete, unhygienic kitchen surroundings, and a lack of basic medical safeguards. Despite collecting fees, the centre reportedly failed to provide adequate care. The cook did not have a medical officer’s certificate, and relatives were left to care for ill inmates.

Following an inspection last year, the department issued a closure notice. During the shutdown, four residents were shifted to the government senior citizens' home in Kannur, three to Mathersala palliative care at Cherukunnu, and two to Abhaya Nikethan in Thottada.

Jayarajan, who served as chairman of the institution for 16 years, said he handed over its management to others when he became a minister in the first Pinarayi Vijayan government.