Commissioners to the Supreme Court: Introduction

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In interim orders dated 8 May 2002 and 2 May 2003, respectively, the Supreme Court appointed Dr. N.C. Saxena and Mr. S.R. Sankaran as "Commissioners" for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of all orders relating to the right to food (PUCL vs Union of India and others, Writ Petition 196 of 2001). The Commissioners are empowered to enquire about any violations of these orders and to demand redressal, with the full authority of the Supreme Court. They are also expected to report to the court from time to time. (After Mr. Sankaran retired, Mr. Harsh Mander was authorised to assist Dr. N.C. Saxena as "special commissioner".)

Strictly speaking, the Commissioners' work is not part of the Right to Food Campaign. It is an independent structure set up by the Supreme Court. However, given the obvious relevance of the Commissioners' work for the campaign, and the complementarity between the two, some key documents are posted here. Please consult the Supreme Court Commissioners website for more information.

A summary note [doc] , which outlines the roles and responsibilities of the commissioners, was prepared for a workshop held at the Indian Social Institute, New Delhi, on 9 August 2002.

Last updated: 5 June 2008