A Bench of Hon’ble Justices Ashok Bhushan, R. Subash Reddy, MR Shah directed the Government of India and the States to file affidavits in regards to the steps taken by them as per the guidelines issued by the Government of India. The Central Government had issued guidelines on November 11, earlier this year.
Several Public Interest Litigations were filed at the Supreme Court that sought passing of directions to grant food and health facilities to lactating mothers and children. The Anganwadi system took a hit, especially due to the lockdown in the country and not many could get the help.
Mr. Colin Gonsalves, learned senior counsel has also submitted that for small children, upto 6 years, neither food nor any education is provided.
Earlier, the Central Government submitted to the Supreme Court that the Anganwadis have been functional and work properly to provide nutrition to the children every 2 weeks during the pandemic as well.
However, later, the Additional Solicitor General submitted to the Court that all Anganwadis were not functional, some were closed and hence, all the meals could not be provided and distributed.
The court also added:
“With regard to the above aspect also, in the additional affidavit, details may be given by the Union of India as well as by the States. Two weeks’ time is granted”.
