Free guarantees, costly essentials: HC questions Karnataka policy

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government’s guarantee schemes came under scrutiny during a High Court hearing, with the bench expressing displeasure over the simultaneous rise in prices of essential commodities and the growing financial difficulties faced by ordinary households.

A bench headed by Justice Srishananda observed that welfare benefits offered by the government could not take away the hardship caused by increasing prices of daily necessities. Questioning the situation, the court reportedly remarked that schemes might be free, but price hikes were certain.

The bench highlighted the increase in ghee prices, pointing out that one kilogram, which was available for Rs 650 last month, was now selling for Rs 850. The sharp increase was cited as an example of how consumers were being affected by escalating prices.

Court invokes Yama Deepa

During the hearing, the court made a reference to the traditional Yama Deepa lit during Deepavali. It questioned how people could maintain religious customs when the cost of essential items continued to rise. In a sarcastic observation, the bench said that people might have to ask Yama to take them away instead of struggling to meet their basic needs.

The court also referred to rice prices touching Rs 103 per kg. Higher milk prices and increased bus fares were among the other concerns brought before the bench. It questioned how ordinary families could meet their daily expenses when both household purchases and transportation were becoming more expensive.

The bench also referred to the government’s announcement of a support price of Rs 3,600 per tonne for sugarcane. However, it expressed apprehension that sugar prices could rise to Rs 90 per kg after Deepavali.

Revised rate for old stock

Another concern raised during the proceedings was the practice of charging revised rates even for old stocks. The court also took note of reported discrepancies in foodgrain stocks maintained under the Anna Bhagya scheme. The figures mentioned included a shortage of 320 quintals of rice and 85 quintals of wheat.

The observations came during the hearing of a petition filed by a senior manager of the Mysuru warehouse, who sought the cancellation of a case registered against him. The High Court posted the matter for further hearing on November 11.

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