'Authorities expected to continue assistance': Allahabad High Court disposes of PIL seeking 'effective' rehabilitation policy for sick, mentally retarded

In a Public Interest Litigation seeking formulation of a proper and effective policy to protect and rehabilitate the left alone destitute, mentally retarded, sick and old persons, the Allahabad High Court on Friday desisted from interfering with government's functioning. 

Disposing of the PIL, the bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi and Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan expressed expectation that the authorities shall continue to provide proper assistance to the actual needy persons as and when such requirements come within their knowledge.

The decision came as the Additional Chief Standing Counsel for the State Government apprised the court that in the instances as mentioned in the PIL, appropriate steps are taken by the authorities concerned from time to time.

He informed the court that pertaining to the specific instances of the four people mentioned in the PIL, he himself verified the facts and found that instead of the alleged four, only one such person at a Metro Station in Lucknow was found and he also was not in a condition as indicated in the petition.

He also informed the court that the probation officer and office bearers of one NGO namely 'UMMID' also visited the spots where the petitioner had alleged that persons needing assistance were present. However, they found that except for one person at Metro Station, no other person was present at any place, he told.

Taking note of his State counsel's submissions, Court concluded that the issue did not demand any interference as of now and disposed of the plea. 

Petitioner Jyoti Rajpoot had moved the PIL alleging that near the railway station of the city and at other public places, many destitute, mentally retarded, old, suffering from permanent disabilities people, to whom there is no one to look after, are seen. She had further alleged that even some of them are beggars and should be given proper treatment and shelter.

In the plea, she had mentioned four individuals. Attaching their photographs, she had claimed that when she approached these persons, she found that they were in a pathetic condition. She had also alleged she approached the concerned authorities but to no avail. 

Case Title: Jyoti Rajpoot v. State Of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Deptt. Home Govt. Of U.P. Lko. And Others