Delhi HC Allows Delhi Govt To Cut Down Supplies To Fair Price Shops To Implement Doorstop Ration Delivery

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government to issue communications to all fair price shop holders informing them about the persons who have opted for receiving rations at their doorsteps.

Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet Singh also clarified that it is only after this exercise that such fair price shop holders need not be supplied the rations.

"The GNCTD shall first issue communications to each of the fair price shop holders, informing them of the particulars of the ration card holders, who have opted to receive their rations at their door steps and, only thereafter, the rations, to the extent that they are being supplied to such optees, need not be supplied to the fair price shop holders," the Court said.

The development came after the Bench modified its earlier order dated March 22, 2021 wherein it had directed the Delhi Government not to stop or curtail the supply of food grains or flour to the members of the petitioner association. 

During the course of hearing, Advocate Vishwanathan appearing for the Delhi Government submitted that the GNCTD has undertaken the exercise of calling for options from all PDS card holders as to whether they prefer to continue with the existing system of collecting their rations from the existing PDS shops or to have their rations delivered at their door step.

It was thereafter informed that an overwhelming majority had opted for supply of rations at their doorsteps. Accordingly, the Court was apprised that the petitioner association cannot be given rations for distribution even for those who had opted for supply of rations at their door steps.

"In case, the members of the petitioner association seek any further details with regard to the manner in which the options have been called from the ration card holders, the GNCTD shall provide the relevant record to the members of the petitioner association," the Court added.

The Court also took on record the statement made by Delhi Government that the beneficiaries under the PDS scheme, opting for delivery of rations at their door steps, would have the option to once again opt out and go back to the fair price shops for collection of their rations at any time.

"The GNCTD should publicize, for the benefit of the beneficiaries under the PDS scheme, the essential terms and conditions of this order," the Court added.

The matter will now be heard on October 27.

Title: DELHI SARKARI RATION DEALERS SANGH DELHI v. COMMISSIONER FOOD AND SUPPLIES GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS.

Click Here To Read Order