S. Q. MASOOD Vs. STATE OF TELANGANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Special Leave Petition has been filed against the judgment of the High Court by which the writ petition filed by the petitioner was dismissed by a cryptic order on the ground that no relief can be granted in view of the lock down being lifted by the Government. The writ petition was filed in public interest aggrieved by the cancellation of 19 lakh ration cards in the State of Telangana without giving any opportunity of hearing to the card holders.

(2.) After hearing Mr.Colin Gonsalves, learned senior counsel for the petitioner and Mr.Venkat Reddy, learned counsel appearing for the State of Telangana, we deem it proper to direct the State of Telangana to conduct a field verification of all the ration cards which have been cancelled in the State of Telangana pursuant to the directives issued by the Central Government in 2016. The field verification shall be conducted expeditiously. Representations preferred by any card holders whose cards have been cancelled shall be considered without undue delay.

(3.) The Chief Secretary is directed to file an affidavit giving details about the steps taken for field verification, if done, prior to cancellation of the ration cards. Further, the affidavit shall give particulars of the action taken pursuant to the direction contained in this order.