Supreme Court Upholds Kerala’s Mid-Day Meal Policy Choice.

Supreme Court Upholds Kerala's Mid-Day Meal Policy Choice.

Asif Iqbal | September 15, 2023 | 07:37 AM IST | Breaking News, Courts & Law, Kerala | Follow on Google News

Supreme Court Upholds Kerala’s Mid-Day Meal Policy Choice.

The Supreme Court of India, in a recent ruling, reiterated that it is not within the court’s jurisdiction to dictate dietary preferences for children in a specific region. This decision came in response to a petition challenging the Kerala High Court’s affirmation of the Lakshadweep administration’s exclusion of chicken, beef, and other meats from the mid-day meal program for school children.

Judicial Boundaries in Policy Matters

A bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi made it clear that the judiciary cannot impose personal preferences on matters of policy. The scope of judicial review, they emphasized, is limited to issues falling within the purview of executive policy. In this context, the court found no fault in the Kerala High Court’s decision to dismiss the public interest litigation.

Retained Non-Vegetarian Items

Regarding the mid-day meal program, the Lakshadweep administration has retained non-vegetarian items like eggs and fish, which, as argued by Additional Solicitor General Nataraj, are readily available in abundance on the islands. The Supreme Court pointed out that the appeal questions a policy decision by the administration and does not highlight any legal breaches.

Policy Choice and Public Interest

The verdict underscores the importance of allowing policy choices to be made by the relevant authorities who are familiar with the local context and resources available. It acknowledges that decisions regarding the mid-day meal program are not within the judiciary’s mandate and that courts should refrain from substituting their preferences for those of policymakers.

This judgment has significant implications for similar cases in the future, as it reaffirms the principle that courts should respect the boundaries between the judiciary and executive branches when it comes to policy matters.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.