Disappointed and dismayed that directions on distribution of food grains to poor not implemented in letter and spirit: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court recently passed an order stating that it was disappointed and dismayed that its directions with regards to distribution of PDS food grains and operation of ration shop had not been implemented by the authorities, in letter and spirit. (Delhi Rozi- Roti Adhikar Abhiyan vs UOI).A Division Bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh was hearing an application by Delhi Rozi- Roti Adhikar Abhiyan. The application concerned widespread violation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 during the lockdown..The application forms part of a 2017 writ petition which challenges the Centre's move making Aadhaar mandatory for accessing subsidized food grains under the National Food Security Act, 2013..Last month, the Court had directed the Delhi Government to ensure that all ration shops remained operational and disbursed PDS food grains in accordance with the policy, on all seven days of the week..[Lockdown] Delhi HC directs State Government to ensure distribution of food grains to poor; Issues slew of directions.Amongst other things, the Court directed Delhi Government to roll out Grievance Helpline Numbers and also carry out strict and regular monitoring and oversight of the distribution of food grains..On the subsequent hearing, the Court perused the compliance affidavit filed by Assistant Commissioner, Department of Food, Supply and Consumer Affairs, Delhi Government and observed that the "specific directions issued by this Court on 27.04.2020 have not been completely implemented in letter and spirit". .We express our disappointment and dismay that, despite clear cut directions issued to the Govt. of NCT of Delhi, to the effect that, no citizens currently resident in Delhi ought to go hungry, the objective sought to be achieved by the directions issued in that behalf, remained unfulfilled.Delhi High Court.The Court thus directed the official to file another detailed affidavit, clearly elaborating the mode and manner in which the directions issued by the Court have been implemented.."Needless to state that, the Govt. of NCT of Delhi shall ensure compliance with the directions issued by this Court qua distribution of ration to both PDS and non-PDS families, without any demur, in the meantime.", the Court remarked. .Senior Advocate Sanjay Parikh appeared for the Applicant along with Advocate Prasanna S.Centre was represented by Advocate BS Shukla.Delhi Government was represented by Advocate Anuj Aggarwal..Read the Order: