Mawan Dheeyan Yojana Voter ID Challenge: October 5 High Court Hearing

Punjab and Haryana High Court will hear on October 5 a public interest petition that challenges the mandatory voter ID clause in Punjab's Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, which was notified on April 2.

Harbakhsh Charitable Society, through advocates Varun Dutta and Karan Bhardwaj, told the bench of Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor that the scheme gives monthly cash support of Rs 1,500 to Scheduled Caste women and Rs 1,000 to other women who are registered voters in Punjab. Clause 9 requires a Punjab voter ID card issued by Election Commission of India to get this benefit.

The petitioner said the compulsory voter ID rule turns the scheme into a way to win votes for the ruling party. Punjab Additional Advocate-General opposed the claim and asked for more time to get instructions and explain why the voter ID card was made mandatory.