RITA MAHAJAN Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner espousing the public cause of rise in prices of all essential commodities has preferred the above public interest litigation seeking the following reliefs :

(2.) Mr. X. M. Joseph, learned counsel arguing on behalf of the petitioner submits that food is a birth right of every person and it should be made available to everyone; food is a human right and therefore, everyone has a right to thrive for the standard of living adequate for health and well being of himself and his family members : every man. woman and child has inalienable right to be free from hunger; right to adequate food is economic, social and cultural right and therefore, every State is obliged to ensure that everyone has access to the minimum essential food. Therefore, placing reliance on Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner seeks the above reliefs. 2.1. It is his further contention that it is only for this purpose the Essential Commodities Act has been enacted by the Central Government to provide for control of the production, supply and distribution of, trade and commerce, in essential commodities.

(3.) Heard the learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate for the respondents.