The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the state government in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by two women, complaining that arrears of the Rs 2,000 monthly allowance under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme for February and March 2025 remain unpaid. The total outstanding amount is approximately Rs 5,000 crore, affecting 1.2 crore beneficiaries.
Court Proceedings
A vacation division bench comprising Justices Suraj Govindaraj and K Manmadha Rao directed the respondents, including the Department of Women and Child Development, to file statements of objection by the next hearing date. The court is examining the matter to ensure timely disbursement of the welfare benefits.
Petitioners' Claims
The petitioners, R Ganga and GD Pavithra, argued that the authorities have admitted to non-disbursal of the instalments for these two months, despite budgetary allocation and continuation of the scheme. They emphasized that more than 1.2 crore women from economically weaker sections depend on this financial assistance for their basic livelihood and daily sustenance.
The petitioners contended that the arbitrary withholding of payments, without any notification or lawful justification, violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. It also defeats the legitimate expectation and promissory assurances extended by the state. Furthermore, the failure to maintain continuity of welfare benefits undermines the very object of the scheme and renders its implementation arbitrary, violating the doctrine of good governance and state accountability.
Financial Irregularity Alleged
The petitioners alleged that the inaction or negligence on the part of the respondents resulted in a lapse of nearly Rs 5,000 crore of public funds due to administrative failure to carry forward the allocated amount to the subsequent financial year. This constitutes a gross financial irregularity warranting judicial scrutiny. They have sought the High Court's intervention to ensure the arrears are released at the earliest.
The case highlights the importance of timely disbursement of welfare schemes and the accountability of the state in fulfilling its promises to vulnerable sections of society.
