Delhi High Court Challenges Government Over Denied Ujjwala Yojana Subsidy To Needy Woman

The Delhi High Court has summoned a response from the Central Government regarding its decision to withhold subsidy on cooking gas cylinders for a financially disadvantaged woman who holds a ration card.

Despite meeting eligibility criteria, she was denied subsidy under the Ujjwala Yojana because she already possessed a gas connection. Justice Sanjeev Narula has issued a notice to the government and scheduled further proceedings for November. In her petition, the woman contends that she deserves subsidy benefits as per the Ujjwala Yojana guidelines.

She argues that denying her benefits solely on the grounds of existing gas connection constitutes arbitrary discrimination between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the scheme, potentially violating Article 14 of the Constitution. The petitioner asserts her entitlement to subsidies of ₹200 per 14.2 kg cylinder since May 21, 2022, and ₹300 per cylinder from October 5, 2023. She emphasizes that the denial of these benefits is both unlawful and unjust.