The Supreme Court of India ruled on Wednesday that individuals removed from electoral rolls remain eligible for essential government benefits, including food rations, as it directed a West Bengal resident to approach the state High Court to protect his ration card from cancellation.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, heard a petition from West Bengal resident Mohibulla Mondal. Mondal sought judicial intervention to prevent the suspension or cancellation of his ration card following the deletion of his name from the state’s voters list.
Mondal’s petition was prompted by a June 4 directive issued by the West Bengal Department of Food and Supplies. He expressed concern that the deletion of his name during a recent electoral roll revision would lead to the loss of his ration card.
High Court Jurisdiction
The bench emphasized that state High Courts are fully equipped to address such grievances. Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked that while citizens are entitled to certain benefits despite losing voter status, the jurisdictional High Courts are the appropriate forums to secure these rights.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the petitioner, urged the Supreme Court to clarify the legal position on this matter, noting that the issue is likely to arise in numerous other cases.
In response, Chief Justice Surya Kant assured that the apex court would step in to clarify the position in multiple cases if required, but expressed confidence that High Courts would resolve such matters effectively without requiring Supreme Court intervention.
Pending Tribunal Appeal
The bench also noted that Mondal has a pending appeal challenging his voter list deletion before an appellate tribunal established by the Supreme Court.
The top court requested the tribunal to expedite the matter and deliver a decision preferably within two months, noting that a favorable outcome for Mondal would render the current litigation academic.
