‘Life With Dignity Must Be Ensured’: Supreme Court Orders Rehabilitation For Odisha Woman & Visually Impaired Son
The Supreme Court directed Odisha authorities to assess welfare benefits, consider separate housing and induct the visually impaired son as a Para Legal Volunteer to ensure the family lived with dignity
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday took up the plight of Odisha resident Radhika Bhuye and her visually impaired son in its suo motu proceedings concerning dignity and social security for persons with disabilities living in extreme poverty, issuing a series of directions aimed at ensuring a life of dignity and rehabilitation for the family.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana recorded submissions that dwelling units had already been allotted to other members of the family but clarified that its immediate concern was whether Radhika Bhuye herself was able to live with dignity.
"We are concerned with whether a life with dignity can be ensured for Smt. Radhika Bhuye," the CJI observed.
The Court directed that it be informed about the old-age pension and other social security benefits, if any, being extended to Radhika Bhuye. It also sought details of the welfare benefits currently being received by her visually impaired son.
Furthermore, the Court directed the Member Secretary of the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) to personally interact with the mother and son and ensure that all necessary arrangements are made for their welfare.
The Bench further ordered that the visually impaired son be inducted as a Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) so that he can assist other differently abled persons in understanding their legal rights and entitlements. The Court directed that he be paid an uninterrupted honorarium, which shall not be less than the minimum wages payable under law.
The Odisha State Legal Services Authority has also been directed to examine whether Radhika Bhuye is entitled to a separate dwelling unit under any applicable government scheme and whether all welfare measures meant for senior citizens and persons with disabilities have been extended to the family.
Emphasising the State's constitutional obligation, the Court directed that all basic amenities and facilities necessary for a life of dignity be made available to both the mother and her visually impaired son.
The matter will now be taken up after the Odisha State Legal Services Authority submits its report detailing the steps taken pursuant to the Court's directions.
Case Title: In Re: Ensuring basic human dignity and social security for differently abled citizens living in extreme poverty and other Ancillary issue
Bench: CJI Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana
Hearing Date: June 16, 2026