Patna High Court Dismisses PIL Seeking Inquiry Into Alleged Malpractices In Issuance Of Ration Cards in Bihar

The Patna High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking an inquiry into the alleged malpractice and irregularities in issuance of Ration Cards in fictitious names in Bihar.

The petitioner had placed on record certain alleged irregularities with reference to a particular dealer under the Public Distribution System and had also mentioned names of family members of certain Ration Card holders.

The State informed the court that it had taken some action including deletion of names of beneficiaries from the Ration Cards issued by the dealer in-question.

While referring to the provisions of the Bihar Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016, the division bench of Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice Madhuresh Prasad observed that there are adequate remedies available for inspection of fair price shops and action to be taken against the licensee in the appropriate circumstances for violation of the terms of license or unfair practices.

The bench noted that Clause 20 of the BTPDS (Control) Order, 2016 provides for periodic inspection and Clause 25 provides for action against a licensee for certain circumstances, including in the event the dealer makes false entries in the BPL ration card(s).

“Taking note of the action taken in respect of the complaints raised by the petitioner and the provisions of the BTPDS (Control) Order, 2016 which contain adequate powers and provisions for dealing with any unfair practice being adopted by PDS dealers, this Court does not find any reason to keep the instant writ proceeding, by way of PIL, pending any further,” said the court.

Case Title: Md. Ishakh vs. Union of India & Ors. Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No.1710 of 2023

Appearance:

For the Petitioner/s : Mr. Krishna Chandra, Advocate

For the U.O.I. : Mr. Dr. K. N. Singh, ASG

For the State : Mr. S. Raja Ahmad, AAG-5

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