The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked a petitioner to move the Calcutta High Court with a plea concerning exclusion from the ration list after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The bench observed that the issue related to the ration card is a different cause of action.
Background of the Case
The petitioner had approached the Supreme Court after being excluded from the ration list following the SIR process in West Bengal. The SIR is a government exercise to identify and remove ineligible beneficiaries from the public distribution system.
The bench, comprising Justices, noted that the matter primarily pertains to administrative decisions at the state level and should be first examined by the High Court.
Court's Observation
The Supreme Court stated that the exclusion from the ration list after SIR constitutes a distinct cause of action, separate from other issues the petitioner may have raised earlier. The court emphasized that the Calcutta High Court is better placed to adjudicate on the factual aspects and local regulations.
“The issue related to ration card is a different cause of action. The petitioner should approach the Calcutta High Court for appropriate relief,” the bench observed.
Impact and Next Steps
This decision means that the petitioner must now file a fresh petition before the Calcutta High Court, which will examine the merits of the case. The Supreme Court's directive underscores the importance of exhausting remedies at the state level before seeking intervention from the apex court.
The ruling could affect other individuals facing similar exclusion from ration lists in West Bengal, as it sets a precedent for the proper forum to address such grievances.
