The Odisha government informed the Supreme Court on July 13 that it has extended all permissible social welfare measures and allotted dwelling unit(s) to a visually impaired man, Japa Bhue, and his 80-year old mother, Radhika Bhue, after the Court's order in a suo motu case.

It may be recalled that the Court had taken up a suo motu case titled “In Re: Ensuring Basic Human Dignity And Social Security For Differently Abled Citizens Living In Extreme Poverty And Other Ancillary Issues”, considering media reports about the mother-son duo's poor living conditions. As per these reports, Japa Bhue was visually impaired since birth and he and his octogenarian mother were living in extreme poverty.

During the partial Court working days, a CJI Surya Kant-led bench had directed the State of Odisha to ensure that all social security benefits and basic amenities were provided to Japa Bhue and his mother.

On behalf of the State, it was informed at the time that dwelling units had been allotted to Radhika Bhue and Japa Bhue's brothers. Ultimately, the Court called for an affidavit from the State on whether any old-age pension had been granted to Radhika Bhue, the amount being paid to her, and whether all arrears had been released. The State also had to clarify the other social security benefits and welfare schemes to which she was entitled under Central and State Government schemes and whether those benefits had been extended to her.

The Court further sought details regarding Japa Bhue's entitlement to disability pension and whether such pension had been granted. The State was directed to disclose the other welfare benefits available to him and whether those benefits had been provided.

It was also ordered that Japa Bhue be engaged as a para-legal volunteer to work towards sensitizing specially abled persons about their rights and the benefits available under various Central and State Government welfare schemes. The Court further directed that he be paid an honorarium, which shall not be less than the minimum wages notified by the State of Odisha under the Minimum Wages Act.

On July 13, a bench of CJI Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana was informed by Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya that Japa Bhue has been allotted a dwelling house and all permissible social welfare measures extended to the family. The AG however sought and was granted 10 days' time to place on record a formal affidavit through an officer not below the rank of Addl. Chief Secretary (as directed by the Court).

Case Title – In Re: Ensuring Basic Human Dignity And Social Security For Differently Abled Citizens Living In Extreme Poverty And Other Ancillary Issues, SMW(C) No. 18/2026