“What the pandemic may have taught humanity is to not take anything for granted and be prepared for the worst. It would do well for the State to prepare a plan of action where, whether there is any natural calamity or disaster or the pandemic or anything which is beyond the everyday difficulty, there is a Plan-B or a Plan-C ready, so that the vulnerable children and young adults do not go without nutritious meals,” the bench held.

Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram said classes 9 and 10 students were getting nutritious meals since September 1 when classes resumed, while the remaining students would get the meal when classes resumed on November 1.

The bench then sought a status report, including details of whether there is plan in place to deal with a situation like the one brought about by the pandemic.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!