This article examines a recent judgement of the Madras high court which indicates the importance of giving rights to mentally incompetent dependents to obtain their family pension without any undue obstacles. It focuses on how the court has interpreted the rules on pensions, its very tough stand against bureaucratic delays in the delivery of goods and services and its demand of a humane nature as directed by the constitution. The case brings out the importance of the judiciary in supporting social welfare provisions for vulnerable groups in society.