In a deeply distressing incident from Odisha’s Kendrapara district, 80-year-old Sridhar Sahoo was compelled to crawl to the local panchayat office to collect his old-age pension. This occurred after officials denied his daughter’s request to collect the pension on his behalf, citing pending verification processes. The incident, which took place in Kora village, garnered widespread attention and public outrage.

Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, the senior-most judge of the Orissa High Court and Executive Chairperson of the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA), took immediate cognizance of the matter after it was reported in local media. He directed the District Administration of Kendrapara to provide Sridhar with his pension at his doorstep and to ensure he receives a pucca house under a government scheme, as he was living in a dilapidated thatched house without electricity.

Following Justice Sahoo’s intervention, the in-charge Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kendrapara, Ms. Annapurna Nayak, visited Sridhar’s residence to assess his condition. A video conference was arranged, allowing Justice Sahoo to interact directly with Sridhar and take stock of his living conditions. The Collector of Kendrapara, Mr. Smruti Ranjan Pradhan, assured that all necessary assistance would be provided, including timely delivery of allowances and housing support.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by elderly citizens in accessing government welfare schemes and highlights the importance of administrative sensitivity and prompt judicial intervention in safeguarding the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations.

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