Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 31: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has upheld the Union Territory Government’s new policy for fair price shops under the Public Distribution System (PDS), describing it as a step towards greater transparency and efficiency in food distribution.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal dismissed multiple petitions filed by fair price shop dealers, who had challenged the new rules issued under S.O. 41 of 2023.
The policy, framed by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, sets revised norms for ration distribution, introduces a nominal renewal fee, and fixes the upper age limit for dealers.
Dealers had argued that the new limits on beneficiaries per shop, the Rs 1,000 renewal fee every five years, and the age cap of 65 years would reduce their income and threaten their livelihood.
The Court, however, rejected these claims, observing that the PDS is a welfare scheme to ensure food security for the poor, not a means for dealers to claim permanent employment or economic rights.
The Bench said that fairness, transparency, and accountability in ration distribution were legitimate aims of the Government and must prevail over individual business interests.
It found the renewal fee reasonable and the age limit justified, as licenses could be transferred to eligible family members.
The Court also upheld the Government’s decision to rationalize the number of ration cards per shop, terming it essential for better coverage and service delivery.
Concluding the hearing, the Bench ruled that the policy was framed under lawful authority and in public interest.
It dismissed the petitions and related contempt pleas, calling them “devoid of merit.”
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