Overview

• The Supreme Court has declined to revise the National Food Security Act (NFSA) cap on beneficiaries, maintaining its basis in the 2011 census as a key targeting mechanism.
• Justices highlighted that subsidized food distribution under the NFSA does not absolve states of their constitutional duty to alleviate poverty through broader measures.
• The bench criticized states for relying on free ration schemes for political gain, noting the fiscal burden on taxpayers and the need to prioritize sustainable development, including employment and infrastructure.
• The Court underscored the necessity of periodic socio-economic assessments to ensure accurate inclusion and exclusion of beneficiaries, beyond the identity verification provided by e-KYC processes.
• Arguments remain ongoing, with 1.34 million applicants waitlisted for NFSA coverage, as states and the Centre debate the balance between fiscal constraints and expanding food security.