NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 4: Judiciary

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The 'Mid-day Meal' scheme in government schools is a result of a PIL filed by which organization?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ACentre for Science and Environment
BBachpan Bachao Andolan
CAmnesty International
DPeople’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

Explanation

The universalization of the Mid-day Meal Scheme in India is a direct outcome of judicial intervention in the landmark "Right to Food" case.

Detailed Analysis:

Origin of the PIL: In April 2001, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) filed a Public Interest Litigation (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 196/2001) before the Supreme Court of India.
Core Argument: The petition highlighted the paradox of overflowing Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns while widespread hunger and starvation deaths persisted. It argued that the "Right to Food" is essential to the "Right to Life" guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Judicial Mandate: On November 28, 2001, the Supreme Court issued a historic interim order directing all State Governments and Union Territories to implement the Mid-day Meal Scheme by providing cooked meals in government and government-aided primary schools.

Key Takeaway: The Mid-day Meal Scheme was universalized following the Supreme Court's directive in the PUCL vs. Union of India (2001) case, which linked food security to fundamental rights.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Judiciary

Consider the following statements regarding the concept of the 'Rule of Law' in the Indian context: 1. The Rule of Law implies that laws apply equally to all persons without discrimination. 2. The Rule of Law allows the government to change legal procedures arbitrarily for different individuals. 3. The judiciary acts as an independent body to enforce the rule of law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The judiciary in India performs which of the following broad functions? 1. The judiciary is prohibited from resolving disputes between citizens. 2. The judiciary has the power of Judicial Review. 3. The judiciary is responsible for upholding the law and enforcing Fundamental Rights. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to 'Dispute Resolution' by the judiciary, the system provides a mechanism for resolving disputes between: 1. Disputes between citizens. 2. Disputes between citizens and the government. 3. Disputes between two or more state governments. 4. Disputes between the Centre and state governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding 'Judicial Review': 1. Judicial Review empowers the judiciary to strike down particular laws passed by the Parliament. 2. This power can be exercised only if the law is related to criminal justice. 3. It makes the Parliament the final interpreter of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Assertion (A): The judiciary in India plays a crucial role in the protection of Fundamental Rights. Reason (R): The Constitution empowers the Supreme Court and High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of these rights.

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The correct option is

People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

Explanation

The universalization of the Mid-day Meal Scheme in India is a direct outcome of judicial intervention in the landmark "Right to Food" case.

Detailed Analysis:

Origin of the PIL: In April 2001, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) filed a Public Interest Litigation (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 196/2001) before the Supreme Court of India.
Core Argument: The petition highlighted the paradox of overflowing Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns while widespread hunger and starvation deaths persisted. It argued that the "Right to Food" is essential to the "Right to Life" guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Judicial Mandate: On November 28, 2001, the Supreme Court issued a historic interim order directing all State Governments and Union Territories to implement the Mid-day Meal Scheme by providing cooked meals in government and government-aided primary schools.

Key Takeaway: The Mid-day Meal Scheme was universalized following the Supreme Court's directive in the PUCL vs. Union of India (2001) case, which linked food security to fundamental rights.