The Gauhati High Court on July 30, directed the State of Arunachal Pradesh to file a detailed affidavit regarding the supply of food grains to the refugees in the state.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Indrajit Chakma raising a concern that the refugees belonging to Chakma, Hajong, and other communities living in the three districts of Arunachal Pradesh, i.e. Changlang, Papumpare, and Namsai, are not getting food supplies.
It is contended in the PIL that the situation has worsened in the present Covid-19 pandemic, which is in its second wave since refugees are out of work and now on the verge of starvation. It is an admitted position that none of these persons has a Ration Card. Petitioners have prayed for a direction to the respondent authorities for issuance of Ration Cards and for the supply of food grains to the refugees.
On Friday, N. Dutta, Advocate General, Arunachal Pradesh, has appeared and apprised the Court that the claim as regarding ration cards is a subject matter of long dispute and the State Government disputes the claim of such persons, but at the same time the Advocate General has submitted before the Court that under the Group Permit System, which has been implemented by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, food grain is being given to such destitute families including those for whom concern has been raised in this PIL, purely on humanitarian ground.
Meanwhile, the Court has also been apprised by the Advocate General that the State of Arunachal Pradesh imports food grains from other States or depends on what is supplied by the Government of India, Department of Foods, and Public Distribution.
Also Read: Supreme Court directs Paralympic Committee to recommend Naresh Sharma for Tokyo 2020
“Since a statement has already been given at the Bar by the learned Advocate General, Arunachal Pradesh, that the immediate concern of the petitioner regarding supply of food grains would be taken care of under the Group Permit Scheme, we do not wish to pass any further order”, said the Court.
The Bench adjourned the matter for four weeks while directing the State of Arunachal Pradesh to file a detailed affidavit for the same.