SC steps in to ensure ‘dignified life’ to octogenarian’s visually impaired son
The Supreme Court directed the Odisha government to ensure that they receive all eligible social security benefits and basic amenities so that they can live a “dignified life”. File | Photo credit: S. Subramanium
The Supreme Court came to the rescue of an octogenarian woman and her visually impaired son of Bagadia village in Subarnapur district of Urina, taking suo motu notice of newspaper reports highlighting the dire conditions in which they were living. The court directed the state government to ensure that they receive all eligible social security benefits and basic amenities to lead a “dignified life”.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana issued the directions in a suo motu case registered on Monday (June 15, 2026) regarding the welfare of persons with disabilities living in extreme poverty.
The bench noted that it was not concerned with whether the welfare schemes existed only on paper but whether the mother and son could actually avail the benefits they were entitled to under various government schemes.
“However, we are only concerned with the livelihood and dignified life of Japa Bhue, who is blind since birth, and his 80-year-old mother Smt. Radhika Bhue… State of Odisha and its authorities are directed to ensure that Sr. Radhika Bhue and her son Japa Bhue further order all basic amenities,” the Bench said.
On Tuesday (June 16, 2026), advocate Mithu Jain, appearing for the Odisha government, informed the Bench that the octogenarian and her son have already been allotted a residential unit. She further said that Mrs. Bhue was receiving old age pension of ₹ 3,500 per month while her son was receiving disability pension of ₹ 3,500 per month. The family also receives free rice as part of a government welfare program.
Looking for a message
However, the Bench directed the State Legal Services Authority to submit a report verifying whether the apartment unit was actually allotted to the mother and son. In case no such benefit is extended, the court said the state government must ensure that the social security measure is provided without delay.
To ascertain the living conditions of the family, the Bench directed the Secretary of the concerned District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to visit and interact with them during the day. He further ordered that if Ms. Bhue or her son needed immediate medical attention, the DLSA would coordinate with the concerned Chief Medical Officer and make necessary arrangements.
The Bench also instructed the state government to list Mr. Bhue as a paralegal volunteer, noting that it would provide him with a source of livelihood while also enabling him to assist other disabled persons in availing benefits available under various central and state government schemes.
“On such engagement, Japa Bhue shall be continuously paid an honorarium and such honorarium shall not be less than the minimum wages notified by the State of Orissa under the Minimum Wages Act,” the Bench ordered.
To file an affidavit
The court also directed the state government to file a separate affidavit, sworn by an officer not below the rank of the next chief secretary, detailing the social security benefits provided to the mother and son. It states whether Mrs Bhue has been granted an old-age pension, the amount of pension she has been paid, the welfare benefits available to her under various government schemes and whether these benefits have been paid, together with any arrears.
The state was also asked to state whether her son was receiving disability pension and other social benefits to which he was entitled and whether all these benefits had been properly paid.
The court remanded the case to July 13, 2026 to review compliance with its directions.
Media reports highlighted that the mother and son lived in abject poverty in a dilapidated house despite being eligible for several welfare programs. It is said that their circumstances worsened after the death of the family’s only breadwinner, so they depended on their neighbors for basic sustenance.
Published – 16 Jun 2026 19:51 IST