The Supreme Court on Tuesday took suo moto cognizance of the problems and miseries of migrant labourers who had been stranded in different parts of the country.
The bench comprising of Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul & Justice M.R. Shah, observed that the newspaper reports and the media reports have been continuously showing the unfortunate and miserable conditions of migrant labourers walking on-foot and cycles from long distances. They have also been complaining of not being provided food and water by the administration at places where they were stranded or in the way i.e. highways from which they proceeded on-foot, cycles or other modes of transport.
The bench also observed that in the present situation of lockdown in the entire country, this section of the society needs succor and help by the concerned Governments especially steps need to be taken by the Government of India, State Governments/Union Territories in this difficult situation to extend helping hand to these migrant labourers.
The Supreme Court has also received several letters and representations from different sections of society highlighting the problem of migrant labourers. The crises of migrant labourers is even continuing today with large sections still stranded on roads, highways, railway stations and State borders. The adequate transport arrangement, food and shelters are immediately to be provided by the Centre and State Governments free of costs.
However, the Supreme Court acknowledged the fact that the Government of India and the State Governments have taken measures yet there have been inadequacies and certain lapses. The bench was of the view that effective concentrated efforts are required to redeem the situation.
The Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre, all states and union territories and sought reply in this matter. The case has been listed for 28th May, 2020.
Read order here;
pdf-upload-375362-India Legal Bureau