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2025 Supreme(Online)(Kar) 22271
KARNATAKA HIGH COURT
VIBHU BAKHRU, CJ, C M JOSHI, J
PADMANABHA CHAR K.S. – Appellant
Versus
THE STATE OF KARNATAKA – Respondent
WRIT PETITION NO. 20115 OF 2025 (GM-R/C-PIL)
For the Appellants/Petitioners: SMT. SHAKUNTHALA
For the Respondents: SMT. NILOUFER AKBAR
The Direct Benefit Transfer system is upheld as a necessary measure for efficient fund disbursal, rejecting claims of its unreasonableness or constitutional violations.
Headnote:(A) Constitution of India - Article 226 - Writ Petition - Implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system - Petitioners sought suspension of DBT system on grounds of onerous compliance requirements for Archakas (priests) - Court held that the DBT system aims to prevent leakage and diversion of funds, and is neither arbitrary nor unreasonable, thus the petition was dismissed. (Paras 1-6)
(B) The petitioners contended about difficulties in compliance due to rural settings, arguing the previous system favored Archakas - Court disagreed, emphasizing the efficiency and benefits of the DBT system. (Paras 2-3)
Findings of Court:
The DBT system is a reasonable measure to ensure proper fund disbursal without constitutional violations.
Issues: Whether the DBT system is arbitrary or violates constitutional guarantees.
Ratio Decidendi: The court supports the DBT system's integrity in preventing fund misallocation.
Result: Petition dismissed.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. petitioners request for suspension of dbt system. (Para 1) |
| 2. arguments against dbt system's requirements. (Para 2) |
| 3. court's support of dbt system's integrity. (Para 3 , 4 , 5) |
| 4. final decision to dismiss petition. (Para 6 , 7) |
(PER: HON'BLE MR. VIBHU BAKHRU,CHIEF JUSTICE)
1. The petitioners have filed the present petition, inter alia, praying that the directions be issued to the respondents to temporarily suspend the Direct Benefit Transfer [DBT system] and restore the earlier system of self-declaration for disbursal of benefits to all Archakas (priests).
2. The learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the DBT system, which is sought to be put in place requires compliance of several formalities, which would be difficult for Archakas to comply. She submits that the system now requires uploading of several documents, such as identity cards, Aadhar cards and other account details, on an online portal, for the benefits to be transferred directly. She also submits that many of the Archakas are in rural areas and they do not have identity cards. Additionally, she submits that the Archakas would have to travel long distance, in some cases almost ten kilometers, to submit the details. She earnestly contends that the earlier system, which required the disbursal to be made through Tahsildars to the concerned temples, would better serve the Archakas.
3. We are unable to accept the aforesaid contention. It is difficult to accept that the task of uploading the necessary identity details of the beneficiaries is an onerous one, which warrants any interference by this Court. One of the principal benefits of the DBT system is to prevent leakage and diversion of funds. Considering the benefits of the same, the concerned authorities, have decided to implement the DBT system.
4. The procedure for disbursal of benefits, is a matter that is required to be examined by the concerned authorities. Insofar as the present petition is concerned, the examination is confined to determining whether the DBT system is arbitrary or unreasonable or otherwise offends the equal protection clause.
5. We are unable to accept that the DBT system can be faulted on the grounds that it violates any of the constitutional guarantees.
6. The present petition is unmerited and it is accordingly dismissed.
7. Needless to say that if the Archakas find any impediment in availing the benefits under the DBT system, they are at liberty to assert their rights in accordance with law. The District Legal Services Authority shall render full assistance to Archakas to avail their rights.
