The Supreme Court on Tuesday( 16 June) issued a series of directions to safeguard the dignity and welfare of a visually impaired man and his elderly mother from Odisha after taking suo motu notice of reports highlighting their difficult living conditions.
The case was registered by the Court on its own initiative to examine whether persons with disabilities living in extreme poverty are actually receiving the benefits promised under welfare schemes.
Background of the Case
The proceedings stem from media reports concerning Japa Bhue, a man who has been visually impaired since birth, and his 80-year-old mother, Radhika Bhue, residents of Odisha's Subarnapur district.
According to reports placed before the Court, the mother and son have been living in severe financial hardship following the death of the family's primary earning member. They were reportedly residing in a dilapidated structure and struggling to access the full range of welfare and housing benefits available under government schemes.
During the hearing, counsel appearing for the State of Odisha informed the Court that Radhika Bhue was receiving an old-age pension of ₹3,500 per month, while Japa Bhue was receiving a disability pension of ₹3,500. The State also submitted that food-grain assistance was being provided under a welfare scheme and that a dwelling unit had reportedly been allotted.
However, the Court directed authorities to verify these claims and place complete details on record.
The Bench made it clear that the issue before it extended beyond the mere existence of welfare schemes.
"We are concerned with whether a life with dignity can be granted to Smt. Bhue," the Bench observed while examining the family's circumstances.
The judges emphasised that constitutional protections require governments not only to frame welfare programmes but also to ensure that vulnerable citizens actually benefit from them.
The Court noted that its primary concern was the sustenance, social security and dignified life of both the elderly mother and her visually impaired son.
Directions Issued by the Supreme Court
To assess the situation at the ground level, the Court directed the Member Secretary of the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) to personally meet the family and ensure that necessary arrangements are made for them.
The Court ordered the State of Odisha to file a detailed affidavit specifying the pension, welfare benefits and social security measures extended to Radhika Bhue and Japa Bhue, including whether all eligible benefits and arrears have been released.
The Legal Services Authority has also been directed to prepare a comprehensive report on the family's living conditions, housing status and any additional support required.
Recognising the need for immediate assistance, the Court instructed local legal services authorities to coordinate medical care if either of them requires treatment.
In a notable direction, the Bench ordered that Japa Bhue be engaged as a para-legal volunteer. The Court observed that he could assist other persons with disabilities in understanding their legal rights and welfare entitlements. It further directed that he be paid an honorarium not lower than the minimum wages prescribed by law.
The Court also observed, prima facie, that Japa Bhue may be entitled to a separate dwelling unit under applicable housing schemes and asked the Legal Services Authority to examine the issue.
Court's Decision
Disposing of the immediate concerns for the time being, the Supreme Court directed the State of Odisha and its authorities to ensure that all basic amenities and facilities necessary for a life of dignity are made available to Radhika Bhue and Japa Bhue.
"The State shall ensure that all basic amenities and facilities necessary for a life of dignity are made available to the mother and her son," the Bench stated.
The Court sought detailed status reports from the State Government and the Odisha State Legal Services Authority and listed the matter for further consideration after the reports are submitted.
Case Details:
Case Title: In Re: Ensuring Basic Human Dignity and Social Security for Differently Abled Citizens Living in Extreme Poverty and Other Ancillary Issues
Case Number: SMW(C) No. 18/2026
Judge: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana
Decision Date: June 16, 2026
 Act, 1994 (PCPNDT Act)-300x169.webp)
