Saurabh Singh v. Govt. Of NCT Of Delhi

$~16 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 3977/2020 SAURABH SINGH ..... Petitioner Through:

Mr. Kabir Sagar Ghosh, Adv.

versus GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI ..... Respondent Through:

Ms. Hetu Arora Sethi, ASC for GNCTD.

Ms.

Neelam Venkatchalam, Dy.

Director Dept. Of Social Welfare.

Mr. Rajeev Kr. Saxena, Distt. Social Welfare Officer, North East.

Mr. Naveen Kumar, Section Officer, Dept. of Food and Supplies.

CORAM:

HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PRATEEK JALAN

O R D E R

% 14.08.2020 Proceedings in the matter have been conducted through video conferencing.

1.

This Public Interest Litigation has been preferred with the following prayers:- "I. Issue a writ of mandamus thereby directing the Respondent No. 1 to come up with a dedicated policy for persons with disabilities keeping in mind the pressing issues being faced by them (outlined @ Pr. 20 of this Petition) in view of the COVID -19 pandemic.

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II. Direct the Respondent No. 1 to release all pending payments under the PwD scheme to all eligible beneficiaries and to clear all pending applications under the PwD Pension Scheme in an expeditious and time bound manner. III. Direct the Respondent No. 1 to inform this Hon'ble Court regarding steps if any taken for the benefit of persons with disabilities.

IV. Direct the Respondent No. 1 to file a status report before this Hon'ble Court as regards:

(a) The number of beneficiaries registered with the Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of NCT of Delhi under the PwD pension scheme?

(b) Number of beneficiaries who have been paid the entire PwD pension due to them till 31.05.2020? (c) Number of PwD applications pending before the District Social Welfare Officers and the number of applications disposed of.

(d) Steps taken by the number of institutions visited by the Committees constituted vide order of the Respondent No. 1 dated 01.04.2020 and why no such Committee has been constituted for the district of Shahdara?

(e) Steps and data regarding doorstep delivery of food/ration to disabled person?

V.

Pass such other and further orders as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of this case."

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2.

We have heard learned counsel for the petitioner as well as learned counsel for the respondent at length.

3.

The counter affidavit has been filed by the respondent/GNCTD, narrating in detail the steps taken by the respondent for execution of disability pension scheme and showing that a sizeable amount has been disbursed to those who have been registered.

4.

Counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that it would suffice for the disposal of this writ petition if the same is treated as a representation by the concerned respondent authorities and they are directed to consider several other suggestions which may be pointed out by the petitioner to the respondent.

5.

In view of this limited submission, we hereby permit this petitioner to prefer a representation before the concerned respondent authorities narrating the issues raised in this petition as well as further suggestions in that regard. As and when such representation is received, the same will be decided in accordance with law, rules, regulations and Government policies applicable to the facts of the case, as expeditiously as possible and practicable. 6.

With these observations, this writ petition is hereby disposed of. CHIEF JUSTICE PRATEEK JALAN, J AUGUST 14, 2020 kks W.P.(C) 3977/2020 Page 3 of 3