Delhi HC Upholds NGO Selection in Nutrition Scheme Case

April 24, 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has upheld the selection process of NGOs involved in implementing a nutrition scheme, dismissing multiple pleas that alleged arbitrariness in the tender conditions.

The court observed that the eligibility criteria and selection framework were designed in line with operational requirements and public interest. It emphasized that judicial interference in policy decisions is limited unless the process is clearly arbitrary, discriminatory, or mala fide.

No Arbitrariness Found

Petitioners had challenged certain conditions, including eligibility norms, arguing that they unfairly restricted participation. However, the court found that such provisions were justified to ensure efficiency, timely delivery, and compliance with statutory guidelines related to nutrition supply.

Focus on Efficient Implementation

The ruling noted that the scheme aims to provide supplementary nutrition to vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Ensuring reliable supply chains and capable agencies was therefore essential.

With this decision, the High Court reinforced the principle that courts should not rewrite policy frameworks unless there is clear evidence of unfairness, thereby allowing the government to proceed with the scheme’s implementation.