The Union and State governments have been directed to consider creating special welfare measures for living freedom fighters by the Kerala High Court.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar was considering a public interest litigation by Sabu Stephen of Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, who sought the recognition and increased pension in light of the sacrifices of the freedom fighters in India’s independence struggle.

The court held that the State could consider increasing or providing the welfare granted to the freedom fighters. Further, it directed the State to create a portal containing the details of each living freedom fighter who may be eligible for welfare schemes.

Mr. Stephen highlighted that only 60 freedom fighters were currently living in Kerala, of whom 27 were receiving pension from the Centre and 33 were receiving the State’s freedom fighters’ pension.

However, the court denied the claim for the national flag to be hoisted in front of their residences and for providing them medical assistance, observing that there was not enough material on record to substantiate the contentions.

Published - August 12, 2026 07:12 pm IST