Peoples Union For Civil Liberties vs Union Of India And Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the operationalization of Anganwadi centres under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, emphasizing the need for at least 14 lakh centres to be sanctioned by December 2008. The Court found that as of March 2007, only 10.53 lakh centres were sanctioned, with only 7.81 lakh operational, highlighting significant shortfalls. The Court directed the Government of India to ensure that the sanctioned centres are made operational and reiterated the importance of these centres for child nutrition and welfare, thereby holding that the operationalization of Anganwadi centres is a critical obligation of the State.