PIL Challenges Exclusion of Homeless TB Patients from Nutritional Support Schemes

A PIL filed at Delhi High Court by Social Jurist highlights the exclusion of homeless TB patients from the Nikshay Poshan Yojana due to lack of documentation. The petition urges immediate relief and alternative solutions for nutritional support to uphold the fundamental rights of affected individuals.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Delhi High Court is challenging the non-disbursement of Rs 1000 per month as nutritional support to homeless tuberculosis (TB) patients under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Filed by Social Jurist, a civil rights group, the petition alleges systemic exclusion of homeless TB patients from essential welfare benefits.

The Central Tuberculosis Division, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Government of NCT of Delhi are named as respondents. Filed by Advocates Ashok Agarwal and Kumar Utkarsh, the plea demands urgent court intervention, citing grave violations of fundamental rights.

The petition asserts that despite the scheme's design to provide Rs 1000 monthly to all notified TB patients, homeless individuals are deprived of this due to lack of Aadhaar cards, bank accounts, or mobile numbers. It argues this denial violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which ensure equality and the right to health and dignity. Allegedly, the scheme's flexibility for in-kind benefits is ignored, particularly impacting vulnerable homeless populations.

Highlighting the magnitude, the petition notes at least 35 identified homeless TB patients are affected, undermining the scheme's objective to ensure adequate nutrition for a TB-free India. Requested reliefs include immediate aid disbursement, alternative support methods, and robust systems to eliminate procedural barriers.

The plea stresses that due to severe poverty, affected individuals cannot seek court redress, warranting the invocation of writ jurisdiction in public interest. The case is likely to be heard on April 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)