Gujarat court bid to help destitute, abandoned women

GANDHINAGAR - The Gujarat High court Friday sought a clear identification of official responsibility on the care of destitute and abandoned women, including widows, in the state.

Furthermore, it wanted the authorities to research and bring out provisions of central and state acts which would benefit them.

Acting on a suo motu petition in case of one Shirinbanu Sheikh, who was reportedly deprived of financial help without any justifiable reason, a division bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi said: “Find out from central and state acts if there are any provisions which would benefit such women and widows. In absence of provisions in the law, the court will pass the appropriate order.”

Counsel for the respondents stated about a government scheme which provides Rs.500 per month as pension to widows. The court, however, stressed on overall growth of such women and emphasised on providing overall training and education to them.

The chief justice said: “Merely giving out money does not resolve the problem. Proper action is required for these women who actually are facing problems and reportedly live in a pathetic state. Find out whether any provisions of law authorise such training and education. In absence of the provision, we will give the appropriate directions.”

On Feb 21, 2005, a local daily newspaper reported pathetic condition of large number of widows and deserted women in the state. Based on the report, the high court admitted the suo motu petition and asked the state government, director of pension and provident fund, collector and mamlatdar to file their affidavits in this connection.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled on June 16.