[Essential supplies amid COVID-19] Madras HC told doorstep delivery not practical, supply to non-ration cardholders to be via Govt counters

The Madras High Court on Friday directed the State Government to ensure that food packets and essential food grains are supplied to those not holding ration cards as well through distribution counters already set up by the Civil Supplies Department. .The order passed by the Bench of Justices Dr Vineet Kothari and R Suresh Kumar states,."... the State should distribute these food packets of essential food grains to such persons also, at the same Distribution counters or centres, through which the Civil Supplies Department is making distribution of the food grains to the persons who are holding Ration cardsMadras High Court.The Court was dealing with a PIL filed for the supply for essential supplies to those who do not hold ration cards on the basis of other ID such as Aadhaar, Driving Licence etc. .During the hearing, the Court was told by Additional Advocate General Aravidh Pandian that a one-time food supply has already been given to such persons, including those from outside the State. .However, the supply was being made through the office of the concerned District Collector. In response, the Court noted that the arrangement would still be difficult to comply with, especially by those from the unorganised sector.."... to require these persons of unorganised sector like construction workers, daily wagers and and migrant workers to approach the District Collector office, for taking their food supplies would cause them unnecessary inconvenience and may breach the norms of social distancing because no time slots are fixed for them", the Bench observed..Therefore, it has directed that the State start distributing such supplies through Government counters already set up for ration cardholders, adding that, "A separate records of these persons can be maintained by these Centres also, which can be transmitted to the office of the District Collector concerned on day to day basis to avoid any repetitive supply to the same person of this nature, for the given period." .Read the Order:.The Bench on Friday also took up a PIL filed by Advocate G Rajesh for the distribution of essential commodities at the door step of ration card holders and other eligible persons to prevent overcrowding in shops in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. .AAG Pandian told the Court that the State has already issued detailed guidelines for the proper distribution of essential items. .It was submitted that tokens issued by the Government for persons to avail cash benefits and rations have been distributed at the doorstep of eligible persons. .Care has been taken not to call more than 100 persons at one distribution counter in a day and social distancing norms were also being followed by opening a limited number of counters, the Court was further told. .However, the AAG added that it is not practically possible to distribute the essential items at the door steps of ration card holders, since electronic machines etc, maintaining records on the distribution cannot be moved from place to place. .The Court, in turn, has directed that the submissions made by the AAG be recorded in a counter and submitted by the State by the next date of hearing. The Bench also emphasised that norms for social distancing and the guidelines issued to ensure the appropriate distribution of cash and essential supplies to entitled persons must be strictly followed. .Both matters have been listed to be taken up next on April 9. .Read the order:.Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.