PIL in SC seeks time-bound delivery of services

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Centre to declare the right to get time-bound services and redressal of complaints as a part of the fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.

In view of India’s poor ranking in Transparency International's corruption perception index, and the appalling effects of corruption on the citizens life, it is all the more necessary to declare that right to time-bound service i.e right to time-bound delivery of goods and services and right to time-bound redressal of grievances, is an integral part of right to life guaranteed under Article 21, the plea stated.

Delhi BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, in his petition, sought a direction to the central government to ascertain the feasibility of reintroducing the Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of Grievances Bill, 2011, which lapsed due to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

As an alternative, the court may direct the central government to take appropriate steps to provide a citizens charter in each department, notify the grievance redress officer in every department and establish a grievance redressal commission to reduce corruption and bring hassle free service to the life of citizens.