High Court Seeks Centre's Response On Plea For Quashing Delhi LG's Order Staying GNCTD's Doorstep Ration Scheme

The Delhi High Court has issued notice on an application seeking to quash an order passed by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, staying Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's "Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana Scheme" for doorstep delivery of ration to the poor.

The application was filed in a plea seeking provision for food, shelter and medical treatment to destitute people, living on footpaths.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh has issued notice on the application, which also seeks to implead the LG, through its Secretary, as a party.

GNCTD counsel Rahul Mehra opposed the application on two counts: (i) he claimed that the Petitioner is trying to expand the scope of instant writ petition and (ii) a Division Bench led by Justice Sanghi is already seized of the issue and the matter is at final stage hearing.

He also claimed that a similar plea filed by Bandhua Mukti Morcha is at final stage hearing before a Division Bench led by Justice Vipin Sanghi.

However, the Court asked the Respondents to file their counter affidavits and issued notice, returnable on 12th November.

The application avers that Delhi has 72 lakh ration card holders who are forced to stand in long queues outside ration shops, thereby exposing them to the risk of contracting Covid-19. Thus, it is contended that LG's refusal to permit door-step delivery of ration is without any reasonable basis is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution under Article 46.

"The decision of staying the above mentioned scheme of which the L.G is not empowered as per the honourable apex court judgement in GNCTD &ors v. Union of India &ors where it was held that L.G is bound to act on aid and advice of the council of minister as per art 239AA(4)," the application adds.

Case Title: Shrikant Prasad & Ors. v. NHRC & Ors.