SC Asks Congress MP Jairam Ramesh To Submit Representation Before Centre On Plea For Food Security [Read Order]

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain the plea seeking directions to the Centre and state government to ensure the universal coverage of Food Security for all during the COVID-19 pandemic and directed that the issue be taken up as a representation before the concerned authorities.

The Congress leader had sought directions from the court that the requirement of ration cards for supply of rations in the Public Distribution System (PDA) be relaxed till the COVID-19 in order to help mitigate the food shortage and prevent deaths.

A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, and BR Gavai in the plea filed by Senior Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh, observed that such petitions must be preceded by some initiative, such as making representations to the Government in terms of the issues.

"This is the problem. We are finding that people are approaching the court under Article 32 without even making a representation to the Government. Such petitions should be preceded by some initiative" - Supreme Court

Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid appeared on behalf of Ramesh and submitted that people who had moved back from one place to another were now facing problems as their Ration cards were only valid at the place they were earlier living in. In light of this, he urged that the Government must implement the "Swaraj Abhiyan" Scheme, "this is not adversarial...this is with the intent to help the government" added Khurshid.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench that the issue shall be given due respect and consideration on recieving the representation.

The former union minister had averred that there was acute food shortage resulting out of the nation-wide lockdown and that there was a need for the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 and other measures.

"In the facts and circumstances as stated above, it is most respectfully prayed that this Court may be graciously pleased to issue a writ in the nature of mandamus, or any other writ, order or direction to the Respondents to ensure that the National Food Security Act, 2013 is being implemented rigorously by all States," the petition said.

"By not ensuring access to food, the State is violating the fundamental right of food guaranteed to citizens, therefore necessitating recourse to the present Petition. Hence, this Petition," contended the Petitioner.

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