JUDGMENT :

1. Modern science and technology had transformed life of million of people across the globe. In this 21st Century, technology has helped various Government in uplifting and shaping the life of poor and downtrodden by implementing various beneficial scheme, through the use of technology.

2. One such move was made by Central Government in implementing National Food Security Act, 2013 (hereinafter called as “Act of 2013”), which provided for food and nutritional security in human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

3. For the first time, ration card holders were to be distributed essential commodities under the “Targeted Public Distribution System”. Section 2(23) of Act of 2013 defines the word “Targeted Public Distribution System” as under :

“(23) “Targeted Public Distribution System” means the system for distribution of essential commodities to the ration card holders through fair price shops.”

4. Act of 2013, vide Section 3 for the first time, recognized the right of an individual belonging to ‘priority households’ to r