New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Central and state governments for their willful disregard of the directions given by the court relating to implementation of drought relief measures.
A Division Bench of Justices Madan Lokur and N.V. Ramana expressed displeasure at the gross callousness by the governments During the hearing of the petition by Swaraj Abhiyan, the Central and the 12 state governments were repeatedly exposed for multiple instances of non-observance of the Court’s order. Prashant Bhushan, the President of Swaraj Abhiyan also highlighted the fate of court’s order on supplementing the mid-day meal scheme with additional milk or egg.
Prashant Bhushan drew the Court’s attention to the prevailing drought conditions in many parts of the country this year as well.
Justice Lokur observed that it would not allow repetition of the mistakes made in the declaration of drought last year. Justice Lokur mentioned reports about 500 or 600 malnutrition related deaths in Maharashtra. There are similar reports from other states. “Children are dying of malnutrition. Does anyone care,” asked Justice Lokur.”
When the Maharashtra counsel said that he has no instructions on this aspect, the Bench observed “You don’t bother when children die. Your state is not taking any interest and you (advocate) are also not taking any instructions from government. Do you think we are wasting our time and enjoying. You should have come out with instructions.”
