Kochi, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
With only around 60 freedom fighters now surviving in Kerala, most of them aged above 90, the Kerala High Court has asked the Centre and state government to consider setting up a special welfare fund for them, including a mechanism to accept contributions from the public.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M. Syam Kumar issued the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation filed by Sabu Stephen seeking enhanced welfare measures and recognition for surviving freedom fighters.
The petitioner told the court that around 60 freedom fighters were currently living in Kerala. Of these, 27 were receiving pensions under the Centre’s freedom fighters’ pension scheme, while 33 were covered by the state pension scheme.
According to the plea, all the surviving freedom fighters were above 90 years of age, with many no longer physically able to attend public functions.
The petition sought several measures, including special recognition for the surviving freedom fighters on the 80th Independence Day on August 15, permission to hoist the national flag at their residences, and enhanced medical and financial assistance.
The Bench declined to issue directions on some of these demands, noting that none of the surviving freedom fighters had approached the court directly and that the petition did not contain sufficient material to establish that they were being denied adequate medical care.
The court also declined the request to permit the national flag to be hoisted at their residences.
However, it appreciated the petitioner’s efforts to highlight the concerns of the remaining freedom fighters and asked the state to consider strengthening welfare assistance in recognition of their contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
The Bench specifically said the state could consider raising the minimum monthly pension under the Kerala Freedom Fighters Pension Scheme to Rs 50,000, keeping in view the sacrifices made by those who participated in the freedom movement.
The court also directed the state to create a portal containing updated details of all living freedom fighters eligible for welfare schemes, enabling them to access benefits more easily.
The Centre and the state were further asked to consider establishing a special welfare fund for freedom fighters and permitting members of the public to contribute to it.
The court’s intervention comes as the number of surviving freedom fighters continues to decline, highlighting the growing urgency of ensuring welfare, dignity and recognition for the remaining members of the generation that participated in India’s freedom struggle.
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