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Synopsis

The Supreme Court today refused to pass any further directions in the plea seeking to establish community kitchens across the country to combat prevalent hunger, malnutrition & starvation and prevent the death of persons resulting thereof.

A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal held that no further directions required as welfare schemes like National Food Security Act, 2013 already in force.

"We leave it open to the States and Union Territories to ensure implementation of these schemes", added the bench.

In January 2022, the supreme court had asked the states to file an affidavit furnishing data on malnutrition and hunger. 

Earlier, the Union of India had been directed to come up with a model Community Kitchens Scheme agreeable to the state and union territories. 

Attorney General for India K.K. Venugopal and Additional Solicitor General Madhvi Divan, had revealed before court that the proposed Community Kitchens Scheme was still under process and Centre was still obtaining suggestions from the States/Union Territories in the matter.

Top court had also directed the Central Government to frame a scheme for pan-India Community Kitchens after consultation with the State Governments taking into consideration the existing policies.

The PIL sought direction to establish community kitchens across the country to combat prevalent hunger, malnutrition & starvation and prevent the death of persons resulting thereof.

The plea further stated, "the Right to Food is a fundamental human right recognized under national and international law, which protects the right of people to access food and feed themselves. The right to food is interlinked to one’s right to life and dignity and requires that food be available, accessible, and adequate for everyone without discrimination or any inequality.

Cause Title: Anun Dhawan and Ors v. Union of India and Ors