New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a series of directions to the Odisha government and the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) to ensure social security benefits and a life of dignity for a visually impaired man and his 80-year-old mother living in extreme poverty.

The directions came during the hearing of a suo motu case concerning the protection of basic human dignity and welfare rights of differently abled persons. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana expressed concern over the overall well-being of Japa Bhue, who has been blind since birth, and his elderly mother, Radhika Bhue, rather than limiting the issue to the allotment of a government house.

Court asks State to guarantee social security and dignity for vulnerable duo

During the proceedings, the Odisha government informed the court that a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) had been allotted to Radhika Bhue, while separate dwelling units had also been sanctioned for Japa Bhue’s brothers. However, the Bench observed that the larger issue was whether the mother and son were receiving adequate support and welfare assistance to lead a dignified life.

The apex court directed the Odisha government to file an affidavit through an officer not below the rank of Chief Secretary, detailing whether Radhika Bhue is receiving old-age pension and other benefits available to senior citizens. It also sought information on whether Japa Bhue has been granted disability pension and other social security entitlements available to persons with disabilities.

The Court further instructed the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) to visit the family, interact with them, and coordinate with the district administration and health authorities to ensure that any immediate medical requirements are addressed without delay.

In a significant direction aimed at empowering persons with disabilities, the Supreme Court ordered that Japa Bhue be engaged as a paralegal volunteer to create awareness among differently abled individuals about their legal rights and welfare schemes. The Court said he should receive an honorarium not less than the minimum wages notified by the Odisha government.

The Bench also asked the Legal Services Authority to examine whether Japa Bhue is independently eligible for a house under existing government schemes and, if found entitled, to actively pursue the matter with the State government.

Emphasising that access to welfare measures should translate into a meaningful and dignified life, the Supreme Court directed the Odisha government and all concerned authorities to ensure that basic amenities and essential support are made available to Japa Bhue and his mother while the matter remains under consideration. The Court has sought compliance reports from both the State government and the Legal Services Authority.