BRIJITHAMMA Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition was registered on the basis of a letter that was published in the "Malayala Manorama" dated 22-4-'88. Brijithamma, widow of one Cleetus, portrayed her plight after her husband's death through the columns of the newspaper, aforesaid. It is said that the dead body of Cleetus, a forest guard, was found in a pond, inside the reserve forest. It was a suspected case of homicide, at the hands of persons who had trespassed into the reserved forest for unlawful purposes.

(2.) Notice on the writ petition was issued to the Government on 13-5-88. Nineteen months later, after several adjournments on 6-12-89 a counter affidavit was filed to the effect that reports from the Chief Conservator of Forests and District Collector were awaited to decide on the course of action to be taken. An additional counter affidavit was filed on 7-2-90 stating that a decision had been taken to give appointment to Smt. Brijithamma and that her turn for appointment "as per the criteria adopted for giving employment to persons under the dying in harness scheme as on today is 13th". The criteria is cryptic, as cryptic could be and one knows not, what it is.

(3.) Fact remains that, for as long as six years - along time in the life of a young woman - Brijithamma remained without succour or solace. The pace at which Government moved before the writ petition or after notice was issued on it, is certainly not fast, or commendable.