During suo motu proceedings on social security for persons with disabilities, the Supreme Court examined the plight of Odisha resident Radhika Bhuye and her visually impaired son. The CJI said the Court’s concern was whether “a life with dignity can be ensured” for her.
The Supreme Court considered the situation of Odisha resident Radhika Bhuye and her visually impaired son in its suo motu proceedings on dignity and social security for persons with disabilities living in extreme poverty.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana recorded the parties’ submissions and issued a set of directions to ensure a dignified life and rehabilitation for the family.
The Court noted that dwelling units had already been allotted to other members of the family.
However, it clarified that its immediate focus was on whether Radhika Bhuye herself could lead her life with dignity.
The CJI observed,
“We are concerned with whether a life with dignity can be ensured for Smt. Radhika Bhuye,”
The Supreme Court directed that information be provided regarding the old-age pension and any other social security benefits, if applicable, being received by Radhika Bhuye. It also asked for details of the welfare assistance currently availed by her visually impaired son.
In addition, the Court directed the Member Secretary of the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) to personally meet the mother and son and ensure that adequate arrangements are made for their welfare.
The Bench further ordered that the visually impaired son be enrolled as a Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) so that he can help other differently abled persons understand their legal rights and entitlements. The Court also directed that he receive an uninterrupted honorarium, which must not be less than the minimum wages payable under law.
The Odisha State Legal Services Authority was also instructed to assess whether Radhika Bhuye is eligible for a separate dwelling unit under any applicable government scheme, and to verify that all welfare measures meant for senior citizens and persons with disabilities have been extended to the family.
Reiterating the State’s constitutional duty, the Court directed that all basic amenities and necessary facilities required to ensure a life of dignity be provided to both the mother and her visually impaired son.
The matter will be taken up again after OSLSA submits its report outlining the steps taken in compliance with the Court’s directions.
According to media reports, the family’s financial situation deteriorated further after the father’s death.
The mother and son reportedly reside in a severely deteriorated asbestos-roofed structure that functions as their kitchen, bedroom, and living area. Cracked walls and an unsafe, unstable roof expose them to ongoing danger.
Although multiple welfare schemes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities are said to exist, the family has reportedly been receiving only limited benefits—such as a small pension and restricted food assistance—which are insufficient to cover their basic requirements.
Their continued exclusion from housing schemes, despite repeated applications, is one of the key concerns being considered by the Court as part of its ongoing suo motu proceedings relating to persons with disabilities living in extreme poverty.
The matter will be taken up next following the filing of the report.