Three separate petitions challenging the legality of the process adopted by the Bengal government in implementing the “Duare Ration” project were moved before Calcutta High Court on Thursday.

All the three petitions were together heard briefly by Justice Amrita Sinha. The court decided to hear the case at 2pm on Friday.

Moving the three petitions, advocate Jaydeep Kar said since the food supply system was part of the central list and controlled by the Union government, the state administration did not have any authority in implementing a system on its own. “The central government controls the rationing system. The state cannot introduce a parallel system,” Kar told the court.

Appearing for the Bengal government, advocate-general Kishore Datta contested Kar’s claim and said the food supply system was part of the concurrent list. “The state government has introduced its Duare Ration project as a temporary measure for September only to ensure rations reach people’s doorsteps.”

Advocate Kalyan Banerjee wanted to submit a petition on behalf of the beneficiaries of the project but the judge said: “Not now. Let me first hear the three petitions. If necessary, then the court will hear you.”

Bhawanipore bypoll

Calcutta High Court on Thursday decided to hear a petition challenging the authority of Bengal chief secretary H.K. Dwivedi to request the Election Commission of India to declare the date for bypoll to only one Assembly seat, when byelections were pending in other constituencies.

Moving the plea, advocate Sabyasachi Bhattacharya claimed Dwivedi had made the request on behalf of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. He said since the election of the chief minister was involved, Dwivedi did not have the legal power to make such a request.

Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal fixed September 13 for hearing the petition.