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 held that loss of a wife’s domestic care constitutes an independent head of compensation in motor accident claims. Granting enhanced compensation to a widower, the Court recognised homemakers’ invaluable contribution and observed that they should be regarded as “nation-builders” in society.
The Supreme Court of India quashed a criminal case under Section 307 IPC against a husband after he gave a written undertaking to care for his wife and child. Exercising powers under Article 142, the Court held that family welfare and responsible settlement can sometimes serve justice better than continuing criminal trials.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to reply to a plea for help for the daughter of an Indian Air Force official suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. This rare genetic disease weakens muscles and affects movement, needing costly treatment. The plea stresses the need for government support. SMA Type 1 severely impacts infants and young children.
The Rajasthan High Court ruled that the right to live with dignity includes a husband’s duty to his family, granting interim bail to a man to care for his critically ill wife. The court emphasized that fulfilling familial responsibilities is essential to personal dignity, citing Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Today(on 6th April), Justice Hima Kohli, leading the Supreme Court’s family court committee, urged for legislative reforms to widen jurisdiction and enhance efficiency at a regional conference. She highlighted limitations in the Family Courts Act, like the absence of injunctions against domestic violence and the lack of authority to handle contempt cases. The conference aimed to address these issues.
