Full Judgment Text
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CASE NO.:
Writ Petition (civil) 42 of 1997
PETITIONER:
Indian Council of Legal Aid & Advice & Ors.
RESPONDENT:
State of Orissa & Anr
DATE OF JUDGMENT: 22/01/2008
BENCH:
CJI K. G. Balakrishnan,R. V. Raveendran & J. M. Panchal
JUDGMENT:
JUDGMENT
O R D E R
WITH
TC(C) Nos.9-10/1997
This writ petition has been filed highlighting the problems of residents
of KBK districts in State of Orissa and seeking directions to prevent
starvation deaths and occurance of famines etc.
On 28.4.1997, this Hon’ble Court noted that the National Human
Rights Commissions (for short ’NHRC’) was seized of the matter and
recorded the submission of the learned Advocate General of State of Orissa
that the State Government will implement all directions including those
interim in nature, given by NHRC. In the subsequent order dated 21.7.1997,
the petitioners were permitted to approach the NHRC with suggestions, for
interim directions. NHRC evolved short term and long term schemes to
empower the people of this region and also monitored implementation of
such scheme for more than eight years. It submitted several interim reports
to this Court. On 10.3.2003, this Court noted :
"It is brought to our notice that in the light of the progress made in the
matter before the NHRC, the matter should continue to be considered by
the NHRC itself and further orders are not required by this Court at this
stage. It is ordered accordingly. The report filed so far shall, therefore,
stand accepted."
Various recommendations made by the NHRC have empowered the
people residing in the locality by providing them with land, irrigation
facilities and opportunity to live with some dignity. The monitoring
mechanism suggested by NHRC also ensured that the recommendations
were implemented. Both the Union of India and the State Government co-
operated well and with the joint efforts of all concerned, it is stated that a
perceptible change has been brought about in the KBK area, which had
earlier been termed as a problem beyond redemption.
The final report with appropriate recommendations has been given by
NHRC on 30.8.2006. These recommendations will go a long way in
improving the living conditions of KBK region. The recommendations in the
final report of NHRC have been accepted by the State Government. The
State Government has also agreed for an effective monitoring mechanism
suggested by NHRC to ensure that the suggestions made by the NHRC are
implemented properly and continuously.
In the circumstances, we are of the view that no further directions are
required in this petition and the connected transferred case. The writ petition
and transferred case are disposed of accordingly recording our appreciation
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for the efforts taken by the petitioners.
If there is any difficulty, the petitioners would be at liberty to
approach this Court.