A PIL has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking directions to the State Government to distribute the essential commodities required, at the doorstep of ration card holders to maintain social distancing and avoid overcrowding.
The petition filed by Advocate G. Rajesh also seeks as an alternative, a mechanism to be put in place to maintain social distancing while distribution of essential commodities at shops in the State of Tamil Nadu.
The petitioner also showed concern for the people stating that the Government of Tamil Nadu has not clarified how it would be made sure that there is no overcrowding in shops when people come out to buy essential commodities. The Government had notified that there will be a token system that would be implemented but they had not made the procedure for obtaining the tokens clear.
The petition stated, “the manner in which the distribution to be effected has not been published in widespread in print and visual media. It was merely announced that token will be issued at the doorstep of the ration card holders but no announcement with respect to when to assemble; precautionary measures of social distancing etc”
The petitioner contended that this lack of information could lead the people to rush into the shops which would defeat the purpose of lockdown and further could defeat all the efforts made by the Central and State Governments
-India Legal Bureau