The Supreme Court on Wednesday summoned Chief Secretaries of nine drought-affected States, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, for having failed to implement the National Food Security Act.
A Bench led by Justice Madan B. Lokur said these States had failed to implement the food law despite the fact that considerable time had passed since the statute came into force.
“It is a matter of concern that a parliamentary statute is not being given importance. Article 21 [protection of life and personal liberty] of the Constitution is also involved. State Food Commissions, as mandated under Section 16 of the National Food Security Act, have not been appointed,” the Bench, also comprising Justice N.V. Ramana, said.
“In view of the above, we summon the Chief Secretaries of the States. We require the Chief Secretaries to appoint the State Food Commissions and the details should be furnished. Details should also be given with regard to Section 15 of the National Food Security Act by which State governments have to frame rules for the appointment or designation of the District Grievance Redressal Officer,” the Bench said.
Social audit
The court directed the Chief Secretaries to inform whether a social audit can be conducted, as provided under the Food Security Act.
Besides Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, other States whose Chief Secretaries have been summoned include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Haryana and Chhattisgarh.
The order came on a petition filed by NGO Swaraj Abhiyan seeking various relief measures for farmers in the drought-affected States.
