Context

• Recently, the Supreme Court of India Bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, raised concerns over contradiction in some states’ claims of high per capita income while a significant portion of their population continues to live below the poverty line (BPL).

Supreme Court’s Observations

• The court expressed concern over the disparity between economic indicators and ground realities during a hearing on food security for migrant workers.
  • It questioned how states could claim high per capita income while reporting up to 70% of their population as BPL.
  • It emphasized that such contradictions undermine the credibility of development claims and highlight systemic issues in the distribution of resources.
• The court also scrutinized the efficiency of subsidized ration schemes, questioning whether they genuinely reach the intended beneficiaries or serve as political tools.
• SC reiterated that access to food is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, and ensuring food security for the poor is a constitutional obligation.
• The Supreme Court noted that corruption and mismanagement in the Public Distribution System (PDS) exacerbate the problem.