A petition by a human rights group drew attention of the court to the condition of starvation and hunger in the country. Over five crore tonnes of food grains was stored in the godowns of the Food Corporation of India. Research shows that a large number of ration cardholders do not know about the quantity of food grains they can purchase from fair price shops. It requested the court to order the government to improve its public distribution system.
Which different rights does this case involve? How are these rights interlinked?
This case involves Right to Life and Right against Exploitation. These rights are interlinked because starvation and hunger deny people their basic right to live with dignity. When millions of people face hunger while food grains rot in godowns, it reflects exploitation of the underprivileged and deprived sections. The Right to Constitutional Remedies is also involved as citizens can petition the court when fundamental rights are violated. The interconnection lies in the fact that Right to Life includes the right to food and basic necessities, and Right against Exploitation protects vulnerable people from being denied their due share of resources.
Should these rights form part of the right to life?
Yes, these rights should form part of the Right to Life. The case shows that over five crore tonnes of food grains were stored in godowns while people faced starvation. This situation denies citizens their basic right to live. The Right to Life cannot be meaningful without ensuring access to food and basic necessities. When people are unaware of their entitlements from fair price shops and the public distribution system fails, their fundamental right to life is violated. Courts have recognised that fundamental rights must protect the underprivileged and deprived sections from such conditions. Making food security part of Right to Life ensures that the government remains accountable for preventing starvation and hunger in the country.
Explanation
The textbook context discusses how fundamental rights protect citizens, particularly the underprivileged. The Right against Exploitation section mentions that 'millions of people who are underprivileged and deprived' need protection. The Asian Games case demonstrates that courts have accepted petitions for violation of fundamental rights when people are denied their basic entitlements. The Right to Life must include basic necessities like food to be meaningful.