IMPHAL, May 7: At a time when the ambitious National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 has been implemented in the State from April 25 as in other parts of the country, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the High Court of Manipur, alleging violation of the provisions of the act.
The PIL was filed by one Mongjam Poireihenba Meitei, 37 son of Late M Ibochou Meitei of Yourabung Mamang Leikai, Imphal East district.
Respondents of the case include Union of India represented by the Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India; the State of Manipur represented by the Commissioner/Secretary, CAF & PD, Govt of Manipur; the Director, CAF & PD and District Supply Officer, CAF & PD, Bishnupur District.
The PIL alleges large scale anomalies and anarchy in the affairs of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of Manipur pertaining to distribution of essential commodities, violation of the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013, violation of the provisions of the Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) order, 2015, large scale anomalies in the preparation of Ration Card, undue delay in dealing with the distribution of essential commodities and non-availability of Fair Price Shop.
The case was produced before the Division Bench of the court comprising Chief Justice LK Mohapatra and Justice Songchinkhup Serto and its hearing was held on May 4 last.
During the case hearing, counsel of the respondents Advocate General Th Ibohal pleaded the court to give two weeks of time to respond to the case, which the court accepted.