In Brief
This public interest litigation sought to improve the dire conditions of abandoned widows living in Vrindavan and other ashrams across India. The Supreme Court, recognizing the widows as a socially deprived and vulnerable class deserving constitutional protection under Article 21, held that superior courts have a constitutional duty to entertain such petitions by NGOs and social workers. The Court adopted an Agreed Action Plan addressing rehabilitation, healthcare, legal aid, vocational training, pensions, and shelter improvements. The Court also constituted a Committee to formulate a unified working plan and directed the Union of India, States, and relevant ministries to implement comprehensive measures ensuring the widows can live with dignity.
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