Supreme Court slams Telangana for ‘en masse’ cancellation of over 19 lakh ration cards

Bench says getting basic nutrition through public distribution system is a statutory right

The Supreme Court on Wednesday put the Telangana government in the dock for its “en masse” cancellation of over 19 lakh ration cards, saying getting basic nutrition through the public distribution system (PDS) is a statutory right.

The cards, the court learnt, were cancelled by the State for being “bogus” without giving beneficiaries any prior notice or an opportunity to be heard or without bothering to conduct field surveys to verify their living conditions.

Ration cards ensure food and nutrition through the PDS for families living below the poverty line. For many, the card is the only thing which keeps them from slipping into starvation. Right to food is part of right to dignity and life. The National Food Security Act creates an obligation on the state to provide nutrition.

When the Telangana counsel said those whose cards were cancelled could apply afresh, Justice L. Nageswara Rao lashed out, saying “first you cancel the cards and now you say apply again. We don’t appreciate the State’s stand”.

“What is this? It is like you will convict a person and then conduct the trial!” Justice B.R. Gavai remarked.

The Telangana counsel said a “system check” was done before identifying the bogus cards and cancelling them.

“A system check is like a computer deciding whose ration card is bogus or not... There is no human intervention... Then a computer can sit here for us, appellants and respondents can upload their arguments into the computer, which can pronounce a judgment... Why was an opportunity not given to these people or notice issued before cancellation of their cards?” Justice Gavai addressed the State.