In Brief
A public interest writ petition challenged the closure of Anganwadi Centres during COVID-19, arguing it violated the right to food security and nutrition of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. The Supreme Court held that the State is constitutionally and statutorily obligated under Articles 21 and 47 and the National Food Security Act, 2013 to ensure nutritious food reaches vulnerable beneficiaries. The Court found States could independently decide to reopen centres outside containment zones following the Government's guidance note, and could not defer responsibility to central authorities. The Court mandated reopening of centres by 31 January 2021 and ordered enhanced monitoring to prevent denial of entitlements. The petition was allowed."
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