Japan Press Weekly

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2012 February 29 - March 6 [WELFARE]

Court dismisses ‘right to live’ lawsuit

The Supreme Court on February 28 turned down the plaintiffs’ demand for restoration of supplemental welfare benefits for needy senior citizens.

This was the first Supreme Court ruling in the so-called “right to live” lawsuits filed at several district courts throughout Japan.

The plaintiffs were arguing that it is unconstitutional for the national government to abolish in 2006 supplementary benefits for citizens who are 70 years old and older who receive basic welfare benefits.

After the ruling, the plaintiffs and lawyers published a statement expressing that their intent to continue their struggle for the “right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living” as guaranteed in Article 25 of the Constitution.