Govt doesn't care for widows of this country, says SC

In a stinging remark, the Supreme Court today said when it passes some directions, it is claimed that the courts are "trying to run the government", which does not want to act.

"You (government) do not want to do it and when we say anything, you say that court is trying to run the government," a bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said, while castigating the government for not caring about the destitute widows in the country.

The apex court also imposed a cost of Rs one lakh on the government for not coming out with the agreed directions to improve the condition of destitute widows, despite its direction and granted it four weeks to do so. 

"You do not care about the widows of India. You file an affidavit and say you are not concerned with the widows of India. You have done nothing... This is complete helplessness. Government does not want to do anything," the bench said.

The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to convene a meeting to consider suggestions mooted by the National



Commission for Women (NCW) and formulate directions to improve the condition of widows in the country.

The counsel for Ministry of Women and Child Development had intimated the court that a meeting was scheduled on April 12 and 13 to consider the suggestions of the NCW and experts.

During the hearing today, the bench asked the Centre's counsel why this meeting was not convened despite an assurance given to the court.

"You had told us about April 12 and 13 but there was no meeting and now you are giving explanations. Inspite of what was recorded, nothing has been done. You have not done anything," the bench said, adding "we cannot do anything, they are so stubborn".

When the counsel sought time to come back with directions, the bench said, "we will grant you time subject to cost of Rs one lakh".

At the last date of hearing, the court had said the government and other stakeholders should sit together and come out with a list of "agreed directions" which may be passed by it today.