COVID-19 Lockdown: Direct distribution of essential commodities at doorstep of ration card holders to prevent overcrowding, PIL in Madras HC

A writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Tamil Nadu State Government for the distribution of essential commodities at the door step of ration card holders and other eligible persons to prevent overcrowding in shops in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.Alternatively, the petition seeks the publication of the mechanism that may be adopted for social distancing while distributing the essential commodities in shops throughout the State of Tamil Nadu..The petition has been filed by Advocate G Rajesh on concerns that the Government has not clarified how it would ensure that there is no overcrowding in shops when people come out to purchase essential commodities while the pandemic persists. .The petitioner points out the COVID-19, which has been designated as a national disaster by the Government of India, is currently infecting more persons day by day..The petitioner notes that the Government of Tamil Nadu had notified that it would provide financial support of Rs 1000/- and free essential commodities to ration card holders. In doing so, it had further said that a token system would be adopted to reduce overcrowding. .However, the petitioner has raised concern that it is not clear how this system will be implemented to prevent overcrowding. In this regard, the petition states, ."... the manner in which the distribution to be effected has not been published in widespread in print and visual media. It was merely announced that token will be issued at the door step of the ration card holders but no announcement with respect to when to assemble; precautionary measures of social distancing etc... The website of Government of Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies, does not reveal the manner in which the essential commodities will be distributed. Whereas various other states have evolved the mechanism of distribution and have widely published.".In view of lack of intimation, ration card holders may rush to the ration shops, which would lead to overcrowding and violate social distancing norms, states the petition..Relying on media reports from April 1, the petitioner also points put that people had gathered in large numbers near the ration shops at Madurai. As further stated in the petition, "Since they were unaware of the procedure for obtaining the tokens. No steps have been taken to prevent undue rush in front of the ration outlet.".The petitioner goes on to contend that the object of lockdown will not be met if no proper system is in place. Further is such circumstances, the country may also move towards the 3rd and 4th stages of COVID–19..Therefore, the following prayers have been made, i.e. Directed the Government to distribute the cash and other essential commodities at the door step of the ration card holders and other eligible persons; orIn the alternative, adopt measures for social distancing and to suitably publish in the print and visual media regarding the measures adopted or the mechanism in place for distributing the cash and essential commodities throughout the State of Tamil Nadu.