Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana today expressed concern over the delay in the finalization of a Central scheme to combat hunger and malnutrition. “We are concerned about the hunger, people and children dying because of hunger,” CJI Justice Ramana said.
The Apex Court said, “We are not happy with the affidavit by the under secretary Government of India. The Principal Secretary should file an affidavit before us.”
The bench, which also comprises Justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli, has directed,
“We have been informed that the formulation of scheme is under process. We grant three weeks time to the Centre to come up with scheme which can be agreeable by the states and if the same has objection the state must come to court.”
“The purpose of the litigation is to provide proper food to people who are dying of hunger,” said CJI Ramana. The Apex Court was hearing the petition for establishing community kitchens across the country to combat prevalent hunger, malnutrition & starvation and prevent death of persons resulting thereof.
It stated,
29153_2019_1_13_31299_Order_16-Nov-2021“The Right to Food is a fundamental human right recognized under national and international law, which protects the right of people to access food and feed themselves. The right to food is interlinked to one’s right to life and dignity and requires that food be available, accessible and adequate for everyone without discrimination or any inequality. Therefore, unavailability and lack of accessibility of food with adequate nutrition is thereby violative of Articles 14, 21, 38, 39, 47 and 51(c) of the Constitution of India.”