Case Name: Aayom Welfare Society v Union of India & Ors.
Quorum: Justice NV Ramana, Justice SK Kaul & Justice BR Gavi
In a recent ruling by Apex court of India on Thursday directed the central government to consider the representations made by the petitioner for providing ration to those people who do not have any ration cards in times of such COVID 19 pandemic. The petitioner in the case is Aayom Welfare Society had sought “universalization” of the PDS (Public Distribution System) so as to increase its reach to the poor and downtrodden, during the times as it is in present situation of lockdown. In the writ petition it had submitted that the same would enable the availability of essential food items for all the people in the present times of global pandemic and would alleviate another 20% of the population in the country to meet its food for survival requirements. The petitioner had also bring out the point that there is surplus of food grains and thus universalization of PDS would help all who were stuck during the lockdown away from their homes especially migrant workers, homeless, poor, daily wages labour, nomadic tribes and other vulnerable communities, access to food.
While hearing the petitioners through virtual hearings via video conferencing, the court observed that the present issue which is on table before court is same as a “policy issue” and thus left it open for consideration of the central government. A bench comprising of Justice NV Ramana, SK Kaul and BR Gavai said “This being a policy issue, it is left open to the Government of India and also the concerned States/ Union Territories to consider such relief,”.
Thus, by concluding the bench held accordingly, the petitioner was directed to supply a copy of the writ petition to the union of India through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Finally, the decision by Supreme court said its on the discretion of government to address the issue which is raised by petitioner as it is “policy issue”.
Read Order: pdf_upload-374011