Migrants’ Woes: There Have Been Lapses, Supreme Court Tells Centre, States

New Delhi: In a significant order, the Supreme Court asked the Central government and the states to report back in two days on the steps they have taken to help migrant workers who are still stranded due to the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.

The three-judge bench, led by Justice Ashok Bhushan, took suo motu note of reports in the media highlighting the plight of migrant workers who are desperate to return to their native places.

The Court gave governments time till Thursday to give their response, noting that they had taken measures “yet there have been inadequacies and certain lapses”.

“We are of the view that effective concentrated efforts are required to redeem the situation,” the bench, which also comprised of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MR Shah, stated in its order.

Revealing that they have received several letters and representations from different sections of society on the problems faced by migrant labourers, the Court said: “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.”