New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has dismissed a contempt petition filed by an NGO, Nayee Soch Society, which had claimed that the Delhi government had not served free meals as the court had ordered. The number of people thus affected was 8 lakh, the petition claimed.
Justice Sanjiv Sachdeva was informed by the government that it was indeed making rations available easily to all eligible persons. The eligibility was possession of Aadhaar cards, Voter ID cards, etc. The food grains were distributed from the nearest available Fair Price Shops, the government said in its report to the court.
Read Also: Record children’s statements through video conferencing, Delhi High Court tells authorities
In an earlier case the court had directed that:
· “We expect from the respondents that they shall also keep in mind to simplify the procedure for getting ration instead of going on the website, etc. by the poor and the needy people;
· “If there is any need for change in the policy decision, the same shall be simplified by the respondents looking to the need of the people at large;
· “If any change in the policy decision is carried out for simplification in the procedure to get the ration, the same will be notified and informed to all the fair price shop owners. Moreover, the statements made by the counsel for the respondents No.2 and 3 may also be incorporated in their advisory or notes or communication to all the fair price shop owners in the city of Delhi so that the statement of the counsel for the respondents No.2 and 3 can be implemented effectively by the fair price shop owners and the benefit of the simplified procedure of the respondents can reach to the public at large who are in need of ration.”
During hearing the government, in its affidavit, submitted that procedures have been simplified and food security coverage has also been provided to the person in need of food but not in possession of ration card.
Read the order here;
SAS28082020CCP2502020-191010-India Legal Bureau