Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: PIL Challenges Mandatory MP/MLA Recommendation For ₹2,500 Monthly Aid To Eligible Women

A PIL has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the mandatory requirement of obtaining an MP/MLA Endorsement or Recommendation Letter as a pre-condition for registration and availing benefits under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana.

The scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 2,500 per month to eligible women belonging to economically weaker sections.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia today tagged the plea with another similar matter, which is coming up for hearing on September 17.

In the meantime, the Court asked the authorities to file their responses.

For context, in the other matter, the Court had sought explanation from the Delhi Government regarding the objective they are seeking to achieve by adding the said clause in the scheme.

The Court had remarked that if the requirement was one of the options available with the applicants, then it was fine, but the problem was that this was the only option for the applicants to avail benefits of the scheme.

The plea, filed by lawyer Shabana Hussain, seeks a direction that the Scheme be launched through an objective, transparent, accessible and non-discriminatory mechanism, rather than through endorsement letters from an MP or MLA.

The PIL contents that the impugned condition requires an eligible beneficiary to approach an elected MP/MLA, obtain an endorsement or recommendation letter, and upload the same on the registration portal. However, it has been alleged, that the Scheme does not prescribe any objective criteria governing grant or refusal of such endorsement or a review mechanism.

“The impugned requirement consequently introduces an unguided and discretionary political interface between the State and the intended beneficiaries of a welfare scheme. It creates a possibility of similarly situated women being treated differently merely on account of their ability or inability to secure such endorsement, notwithstanding their satisfaction of all substantive eligibility criteria,” the plea states.

It adds that the requirement is particularly burdensome for economically vulnerable women, as it may involve repeated visits to political offices, expenditure on printing, cyber-café and scanning facilities, loss of wages and dependence upon intermediaries.

Title: SHABANA HUSSAIN v. GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS

Case Number: W.P.(C)-12717/2026