The Delhi High Court on Tuesday has directed the GNCTD to ensure that the two Hunger Relief Centres set up in Azadpur Mandi are provided enough cooked food so that the labourers stranded there can be provided packed lunch and dinner on a daily basis.
The bench comprising Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Subramonium Prasad was hearing a petition filed by the Potato and Onion Masakhour Merchant Association seeking direction to GNCTD to ensure that about 1000 labourers stranded at Azadpur Mandi, Delhi, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period, are provided two square meals in a day, till normalcy is restored in the Mandi.
The petitioner also sought for a direction to relocate the stranded workers to a Makeshift Shelter Home within or around Azadpur Mandi.
The Association highlighting the plight of labourers submitted that after the imposition of the lockdown, Azadpur Mandi witnessed a steep decline in its functioning which led to a decline in the engagement of these workers. Moreover these stranded workers are sleeping in the shed or outside shops without maintaining social distancing norms and required hygiene levels.
The petitioner has further submitted that more than 1500-2000 workers had started their journey to their respective homelands however at present there are more than 1000 workers still stranded in the Azadpur Mandi who are suffering from lack of food and resources and are on the verge of starvation.
The Association invoking Article 21 of the Constitution has submitted that that the right to food and shelter is a fundamental right and the inaction on the part of GNCTD has infringed the said fundamental right of the stranded workers.
The bench has directed GNCTD to submit a report providing details as to the manner in which the needs of the labourers stranded at Azadpur Mandi are being met, not only in respect of shelter but also in respect of two square meals a day by June 6.
The bench has posted the matter for next hearing on June 9.
Read the Order Here;
65628-2020-India Legal Bureau