The Supreme Court on Tuesday took suo motu cognisance of the plight of a visually impaired man and his elderly mother in Odisha who were reportedly living in extreme poverty and issued a series of directions to ensure that they receive all social security benefits, welfare entitlements and basic amenities necessary for a life of dignity.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana passed the directions in a suo motu matter registered earlier this week concerning the welfare of differently-abled persons living in extreme poverty. The Court also sought detailed compliance reports from the State of Odisha and the Odisha State Legal Services Authority regarding the assistance extended to the family.
The Court emphasised that its concern was not merely whether welfare schemes existed on paper, but whether such schemes were effectively translating into a dignified life for vulnerable citizens.
During the hearing, the Court took note of media reports highlighting the living conditions of Japa Bhue, who has been visually impaired since birth, and his elderly mother, Radhika Bhue, residents of Bagadia village in Odisha’s Subarnapur district.
The Bench observed that its primary concern was the sustenance and dignified life of Japa Bhue and his mother, and whether they were receiving the benefits and support to which they were legally entitled under various welfare schemes.
The counsel appearing for the State of Odisha informed the Court that a dwelling unit had reportedly been allotted to Radhika Bhue and that dwelling units had also been allotted to Japa Bhue’s brothers. The State further submitted that Radhika Bhue was receiving an old-age pension of Rs 3,500 per month, while Japa Bhue was receiving a disability pension of Rs 3,500 per month. It was also stated that they were receiving free food grains under a government welfare scheme.
While recording these submissions, the Court directed the authorities to verify the factual position and furnish complete details regarding the benefits extended to the family.
The Bench directed the State of Odisha to file an affidavit through an officer not below the rank of Additional Chief Secretary, indicating whether Radhika Bhue had been granted the old age pension, the amount being paid to her, whether all arrears had been released, what other social security benefits and welfare schemes under the Central and State Governments were available to her and whether those benefits had actually been extended.
The Court also sought details regarding Japa Bhue’s entitlement to disability pension and other welfare benefits available to persons with disabilities. The State has been directed to disclose whether such benefits have been granted and provide complete particulars of the assistance being extended to him.
To facilitate a ground-level assessment, the Court directed Aravind Patnaik, Member Secretary of the Odisha State Legal Services Authority, to personally interact with the family and ensure that all necessary arrangements are made for them.
The Court further directed the Odisha State Legal Services Authority to prepare a comprehensive report detailing the family’s living conditions, welfare entitlements, housing status and any additional support required. The report must also indicate whether further relief is required under any applicable government scheme.
The Bench also directed that if immediate medical assistance is required by either Radhika Bhue or Japa Bhue, the District Legal Services Authority should coordinate with the Chief Medical Officer and make all necessary arrangements for medical care and treatment.
In a significant direction aimed at promoting empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities, the Court ordered that Japa Bhue be engaged as a para-legal volunteer. The Bench observed that he could assist other specially abled persons in understanding their legal rights and welfare entitlements under various Central and State Government schemes. The Court directed that he be paid an honorarium which shall not be less than the minimum wages notified by the State of Odisha under the Minimum Wages Act.
The Court further directed the Odisha State Legal Services Authority to submit a separate report regarding the social security measures extended to Radhika Bhue and Japa Bhue, including the allotment of any dwelling unit.
The Bench observed, prima facie, that Japa Bhue appeared entitled to a separate dwelling unit under applicable government housing schemes and directed the Legal Services Authority to examine his eligibility. If found entitled, the matter is to be taken up with the State Government for grant of appropriate relief.
Emphasising the State’s constitutional obligation towards vulnerable citizens, the Court directed the State of Odisha and its authorities to ensure that all basic amenities and facilities necessary for a life of dignity are made available to Radhika Bhue and Japa Bhue until further orders.
The Court also directed that the status reports filed before it must contain complete particulars regarding all welfare benefits, social security measures and housing assistance extended to both mother and son.
The proceedings arise from media reports highlighting the condition of Japa Bhue and his elderly mother, who were reportedly living in a dilapidated dwelling despite being eligible for various welfare schemes.
According to reports, the family had been receiving limited pension and food-grain assistance but had not been able to access the full range of social security and housing benefits available under government programmes. Following the reports, local authorities initiated inquiries into their eligibility for housing and other welfare measures.
The matter has been listed in the third week of July. The state government has been directed to ensure that all eligible benefits are extended in the meantime and to place comprehensive compliance reports on record before the next date of hearing.
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