Supreme Court Steps In To Ensure Dignity And Support For Blind Odisha Man

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.

The court directed state authorities to ensure that all basic amenities are provided to Japa Bhue, who has been blind since birth, and his 80-year-old mother, Radhika Bhue.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India 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, the Odisha government informed the court that a dwelling unit had been allotted to Radhika Bhue, while separate houses had been assigned to Japa Bhue’s two brothers.

The state also stated that Radhika Bhue receives Rs 3,500 per month as old-age pension and Japa Bhue receives an equal amount as disability pension, in addition to free rice under a welfare scheme.

The apex court emphasised that its primary concern was the sustenance and dignified life for Japa Bhue, who has been blind since birth, and his 80-year-old mother, Radhika Bhue.

The court directed the Odisha government to file a detailed affidavit on pending pension arrears and social security benefits. It also asked the Odisha State Legal Services Authority to immediately visit the family, assess their condition, and coordinate medical assistance if required.

The court observed that Japa Bhue may qualify for a separate dwelling unit and sought a report on housing benefits. It also directed authorities to engage him as a para-legal volunteer and pay him an honorarium not less than the minimum wages notified by the state.

The court will hear the matter again on July 13.