The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the state government to submit a timeline for complying with its 2017b order, to implement the provisions of the National Food Security Act. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice VK Rao ordered the Aam Aadmi Party government to examine the model rules suggested by the central government on distribution of food by fair price shops, and take steps under the Act, PTI reported.

The court criticised the state government for failing to comply with its September 1 order. “We feel what needs to have been done, has not been done,” the bench said. It granted the Delhi government two weeks to submit a timeline for implementing the provisions of the Act.

The bench was considering a public interest litigation filed by the Delhi Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan, which sought disbursal of subsidised foodgrains to beneficiaries without an Aadhaar card, under the Act.

The petitioners pointed out that it has been four years since the Act was made applicable to Delhi. They said that the national capital still lacks a function State Food Commission. They added that the state government is required to undertake periodic social audits, but has not done so.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on September 13.