The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Odisha government in a suo motu case concerning the welfare and social security of a visually impaired man living in extreme poverty and directed the state authorities to ensure that all basic amenities are provided to him and his elderly mother.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana passed the directions in the matter titled "In Re: Ensuring Basic Human Dignity and Social Security for Differently Abled Citizens Living in Extreme Poverty and Other Ancillary Issues".
During the hearing, counsel representing the Odisha government informed the apex court that a dwelling unit had been allotted to Radhika Bhue, the mother of visually impaired Japa Bhue, while separate houses had also been assigned to his two brothers.
The state further informed the court that Radhika Bhue receives an old-age pension of Rs 3,500 per month, while Japa Bhue receives a disability pension of the same amount, along with free rice under a government welfare scheme.
However, the Supreme Court said its primary concern was ensuring a dignified and sustainable life for Japa Bhue, who has been blind since birth, and his 80-year-old mother.
Seeking a detailed response, the bench directed the Odisha government to file an affidavit through an officer not below the rank of Additional Chief Secretary, clarifying whether all pension arrears and other social security benefits due to the mother and son had been released.
The court also sought details of all welfare schemes available to Japa Bhue as a visually impaired person and whether he had received all benefits to which he was entitled.
In its order, the apex court observed that it was necessary to ascertain the other social welfare benefits that Japa Bhue may be eligible for and whether these had been granted to him.
The bench further directed the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) to immediately visit the family and assess their condition.
Recording the presence of OSLSA Member Secretary Aurbindo Pattanaik through video conferencing, the court ordered the Secretary of the concerned District Legal Services Authority to visit the family during the day and interact with them.
The court said that if any immediate medical assistance was required for Radhika Bhue or her visually impaired son, the District Legal Services Authority should coordinate with the area's Chief Medical Officer and make the necessary arrangements.
Additionally, the bench directed the State Legal Services Authority to submit a separate report on the housing benefits available to the family.
The court observed that, prima facie, Japa Bhue appeared entitled to a separate dwelling unit and asked the authority to examine the matter under the relevant government scheme. It added that if he was found eligible, the issue should be taken up with the state government for appropriate relief.
Directing immediate intervention, the apex court ordered the Odisha government and its authorities to ensure that all basic amenities are made available to Radhika Bhue and her son until further orders.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on July 13.
In its order, the court also directed that Japa Bhue be engaged as a para-legal volunteer to help spread awareness among differently abled persons about their rights and welfare entitlements.
The court said that he should be engaged specifically to sensitise differently abled persons about the benefits available under various schemes formulated by the Central and state governments.
It further directed that upon such engagement, he should be paid uninterrupted honorarium, which must not be less than the minimum wages notified by the State of Odisha under the Minimum Wages Act.
With Inputs From IANS