Courts have interpreted rights-based legislations expansively; for example, in ______ case, the Supreme Court directed States to implement mid-day meal scheme under RTE Act to improve nutrition and school attendance.
- PUCL v. Union of India
- Unnikrishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh
- Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India
- Olga Tellis v. BMC
Answer: PUCL v. Union of India
PUCL v. Union of India (Right to Food case, ongoing since 2001): SC issued continuing mandamus directing: (a) Universalization of ICDS, (b) Mid-day meals in schools (later codified in RTE Act), (c) PDS reforms, (d) Maternity entitlements. Illustrates judicial role in: (a) Interpreting right to life (Article 21) to include food security, (b) Monitoring executive implementation through continuing mandamus, (c) Catalyzing legislative action (NFSA, 2013). Balances judicial activism with respect for policy domain of elected branches.