The Delhi High Court in the case Shabnam v. Government of NCT Delhi And Others Connected matter observed and has directed the Delhi Government to conduct a survey of all the pending applications for ration cards and also to decides as to whether the person will be entitled to receive the food security allowance.
The bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad in the case observed and has directed the Delhi Government to complete the exercise as expeditiously as possible and also to seek the status report on the same.
The court in the case stated that the State Government is directed to conduct the survey of all pending applications to see as to whether they would be entitled to receive the allowance as stated under Section 8 of the Food Security Act.
The court sated that section 8 of the National Food Security Act states that if in the case of non-supply of foodgrains or meals to entitled persons, they shall be entitled in order to receive the food security allowance from the State Government within the time and manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
In the present case, the court was hearing the plea moved by two women seeking directions on the Delhi Government to approve their applications for issuance of ration cards. Therefore, wherein it is also prayed for the food security allowance.
The bench of Justice Prasad in the case observed and has stated that the State Government cannot wait till a person gets a ration card. Further, the State Government is directed to assess as to whether the Petitioners would be entitled to receive the allowances as prescribed as stated under Section 8 of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
The counsel appearing for the Delhi Government submitted before the court that for a person to be entitled to the benefit of Section 8, the State Government has to first assess rights of the applicant in order to receive food grains at subsidized prices.
The said court was also appraised apprised that about three lakh persons are presently in the waiting list with the Delhi Government.
Further, the court while considering the facts and circumstances of the case stated it being needless to say that it is well settled that if a person comes to a Court and gets a declaration of law in his favour, thus, it is expected that the State shall extend the benefit to all similarly placed persons without them having to approach the Court.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter for further consideration on October 13, 2023.