STATE OF U.P. vs ZILA PARISHAD GHAZIABAD

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to quash the State Government's order withdrawing the Public Distribution System (PDS) through Gram Panchayats, emphasizing the importance of equitable distribution of essential commodities as mandated by the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the U.P. Panchayat Rajya Act, 1947. The Court noted that the withdrawal of the PDS was inconsistent with the objectives of the PDS and the constitutional provisions under Article 243-G, which empower local self-governments to manage such distribution. The Court held that the State must ensure the effective implementation of the PDS through appropriate local bodies.