Punjab & Haryana HC Seeks Clarification On Mandatory Voter ID For Mukh Mantri Maan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana [Read Order]

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken cognizance of a Public Interest Litigation filed by Harbakhsh Charitable Society, Ludhiana, challenging the Punjab Government's “Mukh Mantri Maan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana”, and has issued notice in the matter while seeking clarification from the State on, among other issues, the requirement of a Punjab State Voter ID card for availing benefits under the scheme. The matter has been listed for hearing on 05.10.2026.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor was hearing the petition filed through the President of the petitioner society, Sh. Jatinder Pal Singh, challenging Notification No. SSWCD-3/2/2026-6SS/E1074391/120 dated 02.04.2026, by which the scheme was introduced. According to the petitioner's submissions, the scheme provides a monthly financial benefit of ₹1,500 to women belonging to the Scheduled Caste category and ₹1,000 to other women who are registered voters in Punjab.

The petitioner challenged, inter alia, the requirement under the scheme that beneficiaries produce a Punjab Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India. It was submitted that a Voter ID may be one of several documents used for identification, but making a Punjab Voter ID mandatory for receiving the benefit could exclude women who reside or work in Punjab but are registered voters in another State or possess other valid identity documents. The petitioner argued that such a requirement gives rise to an issue of unreasonable classification and violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

The petitioner further submitted that the requirement appeared to have a connection with electoral considerations. 

“Voter ID card can be one of the documents required for the purposes of identification etc., but requiring it mandatorily for the grant of benefit under the Scheme manifests its purpose i.e., to act as a quid pro quo for securing votes.”  

The petition accordingly alleged that the scheme was designed only to secure votes for the ruling dispensation.

The petitioner also questioned the prioritisation of public expenditure, submitting that the State of Punjab has defaulted in paying Dearness Allowance and other admitted dues to its employees and pensioners and has pleaded financial constraints before the High Court. Against this background, it was argued that launching another scheme involving direct cash transfers amounted to an arbitrary prioritisation of public funds.

Appearing for the State, the learned Additional Advocate General, Punjab, opposed the petitioner's claims and sought an adjournment to obtain instructions and clarify the purpose for which the Punjab Voter ID card had been made mandatory for grant of benefits under the scheme.

As prayed for, the Court adjourned the matter and listed it for further hearing on 05.10.2026. The Court's consideration at this stage is confined to the issues raised in the PIL and the response of the State is awaited.

Appearances:

For the Petitioner: Mr. Varun Dutta and Mr. Karan Bhardwaj, Advocates.

For the Respondent-State: Mr. Maninder Singh Garcha, Additional Advocate General, Punjab, with Ms. Samdisha Kaur, AAG, Punjab, and Ms. Mehak Kanwar, Advocate.

For Respondent No.2: Mr. Prateek Gupta, Advocate.

Case Title: Harbakhsh Charitable Society vs. State of Punjab and Others, CWP-PIL-274-2026 (O&M)

[Read Order]