Allow Cookies!
By using our website, you agree to the use of cookies
On Tuesday, Supreme Court took Suo Moto cognizance of the plight and suffering of stranded migrant laborers and directed Centre and States to provide them food, shelter and transportation free of cost. The order was given by branch comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M R Shah who said “We take suo motu cognizance of problems and miseries of migrant laborers who had been stranded in different parts of the country. The newspaper reports and the media reports have been continuously showing the unfortunate and miserable conditions of migrant laborers walking on-foot and cycles from long distances.” The bench also said that the court would take up the matter on May 28th 2020 and requested the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Several PILs have already been filed asking the judiciary to fix the accountability of the government in helping the stranded labor. Previously the court denied to intervene as the government said that it was doing as much as possible to abate the suffering of migrants.
The lockdown was announced by PM Narendra Modi on March 24th which rendered millions of workers out of their job. As a result, laborers started reverse-migrating to their village for family support and assistance. Owing to lack of transportation, they were left with no choice but to walk or cycle for hundreds of kilometers. So far, at least 22 people have lost their lives trying to make it to their native place.
The situation become worse when 16 migrant workers got crushed in the Aurangabad Train Tragedy. It was reported that the workers were exhausted due to their long walk and fell asleep on railway tracks.
The court also ordered the police to follow humane approach while dealing with migrant workers so that their fear and anxiety can be contained. The court said “The anxiety and fear of the migrants should be understood by the Police and other authorities. As directed by the Union of India, they should deal with the migrants in a humane manner."
86540
103860
630
114
59824