The court asked the Delhi govt. to explain what objectives it seeks to achieve by adding this clause to the scheme.
| Photo Credit: file photo
The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Delhi government to file an affidavit within 10 days explaining why women seeking financial assistance under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana must obtain an endorsement from their MP or MLA.
A Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia questioned the rationale for making endorsement from an elected representative mandatory for every applicant to the scheme, which provides financial assistance of ₹2,500 a month.
The court sought the government’s response while hearing a plea by former Congress councillor Abhishek Dutt and Aya Nagar councillor Vedpal Sheetal Chaudhary, challenging the provision and arguing that it gives political representatives “unbridled discretion” and effectively turns a welfare entitlement into an “instrument of political patronage”.
“Let a short affidavit be filed by respondent No. 1 (Delhi government)… and indicate what objective they are seeking to achieve by adding this clause in the scheme,” stated the Bench.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Delhi government, defended the provision, submitting that similar schemes operated in other States and that such requirements exist across the country.
The matter will be heard next on October 17.
The scheme became operational on August 1 with the launch of an online registration portal. Under the scheme, women aged 21 to 60 with an annual family income of up to ₹2.5 lakh are eligible to apply. Income-tax payers and government employees are excluded. Families with more than three children, ownership of a four-wheeler or a member in government service are not eligible.
Published – August 25, 2026 12:54 am IST
