'Regrettable': Himachal High Court Criticizes Apathetic Approach Of State Officials Towards People Suffering From Leprosy
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed deep regret at the "insensitive approach" of the State officials towards persons suffering from Leprosy."It is really regrettable to find that the officers of the State are so insensitive towards the apathy for the people suffering with staying in a dilapidated home, which is evident from the enclosed photographs. This only shows the lack...
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed deep regret at the "insensitive approach" of the State officials towards persons suffering from Leprosy.
"It is really regrettable to find that the officers of the State are so insensitive towards the apathy for the people suffering with staying in a dilapidated home, which is evident from the enclosed photographs. This only shows the lack of concern on the part of the executive to those staying in Leprosy Home most of whom are aged between 60 to 85 years as per the assertions made in the writ petition.", a bench of Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua observed.
The Court was dealing with a writ petition filed by Advocate Neeraj Shashwat, praying for a direction upon the State government (Ministry of Social Justice & Directorate of Health) to provide and maintain basic amenities in Leprosy Colony in Shimla.
The plea was disposed of in January with a direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla to inspect the Leprosy Home and ensure that necessary repairing work is done, within a period four weeks.
However, in the instant application, the Petitioner informed the Court that neither inspection of the site is conducted by the District Commissioner personally nor the repair work has been carried out.
The Additional Advocate General, appearing for the State, contended that though belatedly, but the District Welfare Officer has sent an estimate of Rs.40 lacs for carrying out the repair works to the concerned authorities and soon after the sanction of the budget, the repair work shall be carried out.
However, the Court noted that despite its directions, the Deputy Commissioner did not inspect the Leprosy Home. Rather, it was submitted that there was some communication gap and that the Deputy Commissioner did not timely receive the information.
This explanation was rejected in view of the fact that the Court's previous direction was widely reported in the media.
Thus, while expressing its concern at the lackadaisical approach of the authorities, the Court directed the Respondents concerned to appear on the next date of hearing with an explanation as to why the compliance of the aforesaid order has not been made timely.
The matter will now come up on March 21.
Case Title: Neeraj Shashwat vs . State Of H.P. & Ors.
Citation : 2022 LiveLaw (HP) 6
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