The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said that Delhiites seeking to avail subsidised foodgrains under the public distribution system (PDS) should have some sort of identification if they do not have Aadhaar cards.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said that distribution of foodgrains without any identity proof will lead to people coming to Delhi from all over the country which would strain the resources of the city.
“Imagine the whole of India converging on the metropolis. Where will the housing, water and sanitation come from,” it asked an NGO
which has sought disbursal of subsidised foodgrains to the beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) without Aadhaar cards. “Without any identification, everyone from all over will come. Bring some ID. Even as per you, more (beneficiaries) have surfaced,” it said.
The bench also refused to grant the NGO’s interim plea for a stay on the roll out of Aadhaar-linked point of sale (POS) machines at fair price shops for distribution of foodgrains and listed the matter for further hearing on November 7.