Supreme Court supports Blind man and his mother Living in Extreme Poverty

The Supreme Court instructed the Odisha government to provide immediate relief to a blind man and his 80-year-old mother who are living in extreme poverty on Tuesday. The court asked the Odisha government to provide all social security and basic facilities to them.

According to reports, a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohan took suo motu cognisance of the matter and issued several directions to improve the lives of Japa Bhue and his mother, Radhika Bhue.

The supreme court directed the Odisha government to file a compliance report regarding the benefits of welfare schemes provided to the mother and son.

Supreme court said:

We are concerned about the survival and dignified life of Japa Bhue, who is blind since birth, and his mother Radhika Bhue. The Odisha government and its officials are directed to ensure that all basic amenities are provided to them until further orders.

The counsel appearing for the Odisha government informed the court during the hearing that Radhika Bhue has been allotted a house and was receiving both an old-age pension and a disability pension.

The bench said the court's focus is on whether the state's welfare schemes have provided a dignified life for those in need.

Court Orders Employment Support

The top court directed that Japa be engaged as a paid paralegal volunteer so that he can work among specially-abled persons to sensitise them about their rights and to make them aware of the benefits under Central and State schemes which they can avail of. 

Chief Justice Surya Kant told the state government's counsel, 

We are concerned whether Radhika Bhue and her visually impaired son can be given a dignified life.

The bench also sought information from the state government about the social security measures available to both the mother and son.

The bench directed that Japa Bhue be employed as a paralegal volunteer and that the honorarium paid to him should not be less than the minimum wage prescribed under the law.

The court remarked that Japa Bhue could help other disabled people learn about their legal rights and the benefits available under state and central welfare schemes.

Who is Japa Bhue?

Radhika and her visually impaired son,Japa Bhue, live in Odisha's Subarnapur district. Japa Bhue is a 56-year-old man who has been visually impaired since birth and is dependent on his mother for his daily needs.

According to reports, the family's financial situation has deteriorated since Japa's father's death. The mother and son live in a dilapidated structure.

The court listed the matter for hearing in the third week of July and directed the state government to ensure compliance with its directions.