According to media reports, following the death of the father, the family's financial condition has worsened. The mother and son live in a dilapidated structure that also serves as their kitchen, bedroom and living space.
New Delhi: Coming to the aid of a visually impaired man and his 80-year-old mother living in abject poverty, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Odisha government to provide social security benefits and basic amenities to them. A two-judge bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana, in a suo motu case registered based on media reports, passed a slew of directions for ensuring social security to Japa Bhue and his elderly mother Radhika Bhue.
Directing a compliance report on the welfare measures provided to them, the apex court sought the response of the Odisha government. Radhika Bhue and her visually impaired son, Japa Bhue, reside in the Subarnapur district of Odisha. Her son has been blind since birth and is dependent on his mother for daily needs.
According to media reports, following the death of the father, the family's financial condition has worsened. The mother and son live in a dilapidated structure that also serves as their kitchen, bedroom and living space.
The top court said: "We are, however, concerned about the sustenance and the dignified life of Japa Bhue, who is blind by birth, and his mother Radhika Bhue. The State of Odisha and its authorities are directed to ensure that all basic amenities are made available to them till further orders."
Counsel appearing for the Odisha government said that a dwelling unit had reportedly been allotted to them besides elderly pension to the mother and disability pension. The top court said the focus of the court was whether the welfare schemes of the state translated into a dignified living of those in need.
"We are concerned with whether a life with dignity can be granted to Radhika Bhue and his visually impaired son," CJI Kant told the state’s counsel. Seeking to know from the state government about the social security measures available to both the mother and son, the top court said: "We shall be apprised as to whether she (Radhika Bhue) is receiving any old-age pension and what social security benefits, if any, are being extended to her. We shall also be apprised of the social security benefits being provided to the specially abled person."
The top court directed that Japa Bhue be inducted as a paralegal volunteer and paid an uninterrupted honorarium, not less than the minimum wages prescribed under law. It observed that Japa Bhue could assist other persons with disabilities in understanding their legal rights and entitlements under the welfare schemes of the state and the Centre.
For assessing the ground-level situation, the top court ordered the member secretary of the Odisha State Legal Services Authority to personally interact with the family and visit them. The top court listed the matter in the third week of July and directed the State government to ensure compliance of its directions.
