1. Mr. Anmol Sharma, a law student, has addressed a communication to this Court, inviting its attention to the alleged ailing state of affairs in the Home for the aged and infirm at Ambphalla, called "Vridh Ashram". He has alleged that 38 male and 27 female inmates are living in miserable condition in the home and that no reasonable attention was being paid to their problems. 2. This persuaded us to appoint Mr. R.P Sharma, Advocate, as local Commissioner. He was asked to visit the Home and report about the prevailing condition there. At the same time, Principal Medical College, Jammu, Director Health Services, Jammu, Director Social Welfare department and the representatives of the Managing committee of the Home were also summoned to ascertain the position and the problems faced by the Home and what remedial measures were required to be taken. 3. According to Mr. R.P Sharmas report, this Home was being run by a private society and that the major problem faced by it related to the shortage of professional attendants, as a result the inmates had to fend for themselves and were not being looked after well. He, however, supported the allegation of Mr. Anmol Sharma regarding the scant medical attention being received by five inmates, who are said to be seriously ill and require immediate hospitalization but which could not be done because of absence of attendants. It is submitted that no hospital would admit these inmates without attendants. 4. It was also noticed that Director Social Welfare department was paying a pension of Rs.200/-, to 24 inmates per month but this pension was paid only up to November, 2005. 5. Having considered all this, it appears to us that the problem of providing medical attendants to five inmates and also improving the hygienic conditions requires immediate attention. For this the following directions are passed:- 1 The Managing Committee of the Home shall take immediate steps to engage required number of attendants, within one week and thereafter Director Health Services, Jammu will organize hospitalization of the seriously ill inmates, who require such hospitalization on medical grounds in any available government hospital. The medical expenses will be borne by the Medical Superintendent of the concerned hospital for the period of hospitalization. The attendants so appointed shall be paid by the Social Welfare Department through its Director. The medical expenses will be borne by the Medical Superintendent of the concerned hospital for the period of hospitalization. The attendants so appointed shall be paid by the Social Welfare Department through its Director. 2 The Director Social Welfare shall take immediate steps to release the un-paid pension of 24 inmates within one week. He shall also take steps in collaboration with all other concerned connected agencies/functionaries for granting similar pension to other inmates also. 3 That Managing Committee of the Home is directed to take immediate steps for up-keep of hygienic and sanitary conditions in the Home. List on 25.04.2006.