ENVIRONMENT AND CONSUMER PROTECTION FOUNDATION versus UNION OF INDIA & ORS .

ENVIRONMENT AND CONSUMER PROTECTION FOUNDATION versus UNION OF INDIA & ORS .

The Supreme Court held that widows living in Vrindavan fall under a socially disadvantaged class and are entitled to a life with dignity under Article 21. Directions were issued for government authorities to implement and monitor welfare schemes, constitute a committee to provide a common working plan for rehabilitation, and consider encouragement of widow remarriage.

Parties
Petitioner: Environment and Consumer Protection Foundation; Respondents: Union of India & Ors.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
11 August 2017
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition (civil) / Final Order on Directions
Outcome
Committee constituted to study reports and recommend action; directions issued to implement Agreed Action Plan for rehabilitation and support of widows.
Legal Topics
Rehabilitation of Widows, Public Interest Litigation, Socially Underprivileged Groups, Article 21 – Right to Life With Dignity, Widow Remarriage
Constitutional Law Social Justice Women Welfare Rehabilitation of Widows Public Interest Litigation Socially Underprivileged Groups Article 21 – Right to Life With Dignity Widow Remarriage

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Parties

Environment and Consumer Protection Foundation

Petitioner

Union of India & Ors.

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition (civil) / Final Order on Directions

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Directions for rehabilitation and dignity of widows living in Vrindavan
  2. 2 Implementation and monitoring of welfare schemes for widows
  3. 3 Encouragement of widow remarriage

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that widows living in Vrindavan fall under a socially disadvantaged class and are entitled to a life with dignity under Article 21. Directions were issued for government authorities to implement and monitor welfare schemes, constitute a committee to provide a common working plan for rehabilitation, and consider encouragement of widow remarriage.

Court Disposition

Committee constituted to study reports and recommend action; directions issued to implement Agreed Action Plan for rehabilitation and support of widows.

Orders

  • Committee to submit working plan within two months, not later than 30 November 2017.
  • National Commission for Women requested to provide working space and assistance to the Committee.