Himachal Pradesh High Court– Taking cognizance of the letter wherein the plight of inmates of State Home for Destitute Women at Mashobra, Distt. Shimla, has been highlighted, the bench of Rajiv Sharma and Tarlok Singh Chauhan, JJ expressing concern stated that the prevailing conditions in the Ashram are not habitable and it is the duty of the State to provide all the basic amenities to the inmates taking into consideration the difficulties faced by them.
The letter so addressed also highlighted the fact that the inmates are not provided with disability pension or old age pension. One of the inmates is a non-Himachali, who is not considered for old age pension. The Court further observed that all the inmates of the Ashram belong to one group and they cannot be segregated only on the basis of their domicile or citizenship and the action of the respondents of denying the old-age pension and disability pension to the non-bonafide inmates of the Ashram is unreasonable and arbitrary.
The Court issued directions to the respondents some of which are, to issue disability certificate and old-age pension to the required inmates. Sweeper to be appointed between 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on regular basis and a staff nurse must also be appointed to look after the inmates. State should provide vocational training to the inmates. The District Welfare Officer should supervise every month and ensure that all the basic facilities and amenities are provided to the inmates. Court on its own motion v. State of Himachal Pradesh, 2015 SCC OnLine HP 1263, decided on 04.06.2015
