Taking cognisance of a letter written by Ajay Srivastav, chairman of NGO Umang Foundation, describing the pathetic state of inmates at old age and destitute homes, a division bench of justices Rajiv Sharma and Tarlok Singh Chauhan treated it as a petition and also ordered release of old age pension and Disability Relief Allowance (DRA) to all the inmates, irrespective of their nationality and awarded cost of Rs 1 lakh to the foundation, to be used only for the welfare of the destitute and disabled persons lodge in shelter homes.
The court further directed the Principal Secretary (Social Justice and Empowerment) to release adequate funds for the construction of a separate home for adult disabled shelterless and destitute persons and for construction of a separate home for mentally challenged males and females within eight weeks.
The court directed Director Welfare to visit the old age homes at Basantpur (Shimla), Dari (Dharamshala), Bhangrotu (Mandi) and Alleo, New Manali (Kullu) every month to ascertain whether the basic amenities are being provided to the inmates lodged therein, if not, the same be made available within two weeks after visiting the homes.