The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the responsibility of individual States and Union Territories in addressing food security concerns, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The court's decision comes as it declined to direct the Central government to formulate a national policy for establishing subsidized canteens or community kitchens across the country.

A bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal articulated their stance, emphasizing the existence of the National Food Security Act and other welfare schemes aimed at providing subsidized food for those in need. 

The court underscored that the current framework is sufficient, leaving it to the discretion of individual states and territories to ensure the effective implementation of these welfare measures.

The decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding food security in India. At the heart of the matter lies a Public Interest Litigation PIL petition urging the establishment of subsidized canteens or community kitchens nationwide to mitigate the impact of food insecurity exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis.

This recent ruling diverges from the sentiments expressed by the Supreme Court in November 2021. At that time, a bench led by the then Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, along with Justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli, expressed dissatisfaction with the Central government's response to the issue. The court emphasized the crucial role of State governments in addressing hunger and preventing fatalities, asserting that no state can shirk this responsibility.

However, the current bench's decision highlights a different perspective, indicating a nuanced approach towards addressing food security concerns. While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the court refrains from imposing additional directives on the Central government, opting instead to empower states and territories to take appropriate actions within the existing legal framework.

Case: Anun Dhawan & ors v. Union of India & ors.