LI Network
Published on: December 22, 2023 at 12:52 IST
The Kerala High Court advised the state government, which claims to be facing an extreme financial crisis, to “prioritize” financial requirements.
Justice Devan Ramachandran made the suggestion while hearing the plea of 78-year-old Mariyakutty, who sought the release of her entitled pension, pending for several months.
The government, acknowledging Mariyakutty’s entitlement to pension, cited its financial crisis and the non-receipt of central funds for pension disbursement from April to August 2023.
It claimed to have released pensions only until August 2023, emphasizing its inability to pay Mariyakutty and others in a similar situation.
The High Court, recognizing Mariyakutty’s dependence on her meager Rs 1,600 pension, expressed concern about her survival without the essential financial support.
The Court stressed that the government must prioritize financial needs, especially for senior citizens like Mariyakutty, emphasizing the Christmas season.
Justice Ramachandran noted that, despite the state’s fiscal difficulties, constitutional imperatives require providing for citizens like Mariyakutty. The Court also urged the central government to address how senior citizens would be provided for if the state’s financial claims were accurate.
The court directed the state government to inform when Mariyakutty’s full pensionary benefits would be paid. Justice Ramachandran expressed hope that, during the Christmas season, citizens like Mariyakutty would not be left without essential support.
