Smt. Gayatri Devi's Claim Under "Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana" To Be Reassessed
In a significant judgment, the Allahabad High Court has directed the District Magistrate of Kannauj to reconsider the claim made by Smt. Gayatri Devi under the "Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana." The court found that the initial rejection of her claim was based on improper interpretation and assumptions, violating principles of natural justice.
Smt. Gayatri Devi, a widow, challenged the rejection of her claim following the accidental death of her husband, Late Vikas Gupta, who was a farmer. The rejection was based on a report by the Lekhpal, which suggested that Gupta was earning from a general store instead of agriculture. This report, however, was found to be unsubstantiated and not the result of a proper inquiry.
The bench comprising Justices Ajit Kumar and Swarupama Chaturvedi emphasized the need for a liberal and purposive interpretation of welfare schemes aimed at supporting farmers' families. The court pointed out that welfare schemes should not be defeated on technical grounds, and in this case, the deceased’s engagement in agriculture was not adequately considered.
The judgment highlighted the lack of proper inquiry and the failure to provide Smt. Gayatri Devi an opportunity to contest the findings of the Lekhpal's report. The court noted that in rural setups, it is common for land to remain recorded in the name of elder family members, which should not disqualify families from receiving benefits if they rely on agriculture for livelihood.
The court has ordered the District Magistrate to conduct a fresh inquiry into the claim, providing Smt. Gayatri Devi an opportunity to be heard. The authorities are directed to conclude this process within eight weeks, ensuring the claim is assessed in light of a comprehensive examination of facts.
This judgment underscores the importance of ensuring fair treatment in the implementation of welfare schemes and reiterates the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights of individuals against bureaucratic oversight.
Bottom Line:
Beneficial schemes like "Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana" must be interpreted liberally and purposively to achieve their objective of providing financial assistance to farmers' families in cases of accidental death or disability.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Guidelines under "Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana", Principles of Natural Justice
Smt. Gayatri Devi v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2823900
