In Brief
A two-judge bench examined the failure of numerous State Governments to implement the National Food Security Act, 2013, nearly four years after its enactment. The Court held that Article 256 of the Constitution empowers the Union to direct States to comply with parliamentary laws, and that citizens can seek judicial relief when implementation falters. The bench criticized the pathetic compliance record and found that State Governments had failed to establish mandated institutions: independent District Grievance Redressal Officers, separate State Food Commissions, social audit mechanisms, and vigilance committees. The Court issued binding directions requiring all States to establish these bodies by year-end and to implement the Act in good faith, emphasizing that cooperative federalism permits no State to ignore welfare legislation enacted by Parliament for the people's benefit.
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