AMI PRABAL Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This pro bono publico petition has been filed by the petitioner, who is practicing Advocate in the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Bench at Gwalior. The grievance of the petitioner in this petition is in regard to inadequate supply and allotment of foodgrains to the State of Madhya Pradesh by the Union of India due to which the BPL card holders are not getting 35 kg. foodgrains per month fixed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court. The petitioner further claimed that due to malnutrition, some children have died in Shivpuri district and proper care has not been taken by the administration in this regard. The petitioner has further submitted that in spite of the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the State Government and the Union of India have not taken proper care to provide foodgrains to the poor sections of the society and also due to inadequate measures, the foodgrains are being rotten.

(2.) A petition is pending before the Hon'ble Supreme Court, i.e. Writ Petition (Civil) No.196/2001 ( People's Union for Civil Liberties Vs. Union of India (UOI) and others and the Hon'ble Supreme Court seized the matter, hence, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner has made a limited prayer in this petition in regard to grant of relief of allocation of adequate quantity of foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System to the BPL and AAY card holders of the State of Madhya Pradesh, particularly the Districts under the jurisdiction of Gwalior Bench.

(3.) The respondent No.4-State of Madhya Pradesh in its reply submitted that there are 68.71 lacs BPL and Antyodaya Ration card holders in the State and accordingly it has been distributing the foodgrains in the State under Targeted Public Distribution System. Due to allotment of less quantity of foodgrains, the State is able to distribute only 20 kg. foodgrains per BPL card holder, however, the Hon'ble Supreme Court has directed that BPL & AAY card holders are entitled to receive foodgrains of 35 kg. per month.