KOCHI: Heated arguments in the High Court on the government's contention that the plea filed by Mariyakutty, a resident of Adimali, against the suspension of widow pension was politically motivated and that many prominent people had offered her help. The single bench said that the petitioner who had approached the High Court for the welfare pension will not be allowed to be insulted and criticized by the government.

TB Hood, the senior government pleader for the government, stated that welfare pensions are not entitlements like statutory pensions and the arrears cannot be paid in the current financial situation. It was explained that the arrears will be paid when the situation improves and that the central allocation for welfare pension has not been received since July.

Justice Devan Ramachandran said that the court can only sympathize with the 78-year-old woman who approached the court saying that she did not have money for medicine and food during Christmas. The court cannot direct the government to pay welfare pensions. This is unfortunate. The court directed Mariyakutty's lawyer to inquire whether she wanted to seek help from the District Legal Services Authority. The High Court adjourned the petition to January 10, noting that the central government had informed that they would help the petitioner.

'They are human beings, show compassion'

The government has explained that even though they have not been getting the central share since April, they have given welfare pensions till August. Among the 45 lakh welfare pensioners, only the petitioner approached the court. Help cannot be given to her alone. About 660 crore rupees per month is required for welfare pension. It should be suspected the petitioner approaching the court was politically motivated. The government lawyer said that he came to know through the media that many people had offered help to the petitioner.

Asking why such allegations are being raised, the single bench said, 'They are also human beings. We should show compassion. The allegation is shocking and heartbreaking. Don't insult that woman for filing a petition against the government. If the allegation is upheld, an amicus curiae will have to be appointed to examine it. How can you say there are plans like this if you don't pay?' The single bench also explained that the petitioner, who is a senior citizen, is a VIP of the court.

'Don't want anyone's charity'

Mariyakutty has not accepted anyone's charity despite many people offering help, her lawyer said. The government's claim that there is no money for welfare pensions is not true. Crores were collected by imposing cess on petrol, diesel and alcohol. The petitioner also demanded that the government give an affidavit as to what was done with this amount.