Can Price rise of Onions, be subject matter of a PIL? Yes. Two reasons

First, NAFED, a body exporting and importing onions is held to be a 'State' by a 1981 Madras High Court judgement. Therefore it is subject to jurisdiction of High Court and Supreme Court.

Second, Preventions of Black marketing Law, casts a DUTY on every states to issue necessary notifications to prevent black marketing and hoarding of essential items.

Each state has duties under the law.

Courts can certainly seek transperancy and can intervene if policies are not based rational criteria.

Haresh Raichura
24/10/13