7 March
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court has emphasized that a ration card, primarily intended for obtaining essential commodities through the Public Distribution System (PDS), cannot be considered proof of address or residence. Justice Chandradhari Singh, presiding over petitions filed by displaced residents of Kathaputli Colony, challenged the requirement of a ration card as mandatory for availing benefits under the rehabilitation scheme post the area’s redevelopment.
The court labeled the insistence on a ration card as arbitrary and unreasonable, stating in the latest order, “According to the definition of ration card, its purpose is to distribute essential food items through ration shops. Therefore, it cannot be a residential identity card for the ration card holder.” This ruling provides clarity on the limited scope of a ration card, redirecting its purpose solely to the acquisition of essential goods and challenging its use as a residential identity document. The decision holds significance for those seeking alternative accommodation under rehabilitation schemes, paving the way for fair and reasonable eligibility criteria.