Covid19: SC tells Congress leader Jairam Ramesh to make a representation to the government for relaxing the requirement of ration cards for the supply of rations through PDS

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh seeking strict implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 for the benefit of migrant workers so that grains are provided to them during the lockdown without their having to produce ration cards.

During the hearing, the court inquired from senior counsel Salman Khurshid who appeared for the petitioner whether the grievance raised in the petition was brought to the notice of the government?

In response, the petitioner admitted that the grievances raised in the writ petition have not been brought into the notice of the Government therefore the Government could not consider the grievances and take appropriate action.

Taking note of the submission made by the petitioner, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and B R Gavai allowed the petitioner to withdraw the petition and to make a detailed representation to the Government. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta who appeared for the Centre told the court that the representation if made would be duly attended to.

Jairam Ramesh had sought directions to the Centre and state government to ensure the universal coverage of Food Security for all during the COVID-19 pandemic saying that reports suggest that large section of poor and vulnerable are not getting food during the lockdown.

Read the Order here