SC refuses to order any directions for migrant workers, leaves on the centre to decide

The apex court on Tuesday denied PILs focusing to provide food and shelter to the migrant workers, it however, left it on the central government to make a decision.

Delhi: Supreme Court bench led by Justice S K Kaul, refused to entertain the PILs seeking to sought directions for the provision of food and shelter to the migrant workers, an official said.

Further, the court said, "It is at the discretion of the government and the court is not going to interfere in the current scenario."

The centre through solicitor general Tushar Mehta informed the court that there are helpline numbers available to provide food to the needy people in one hour. On the other hand, Advocate Prashant Bhushan citing the petitioner's survey argued that many people are still not receiving food and Rs 500 given to women Jan Dhan account holders is hardly adequate.

Government has asked private employers to pay their workers but most of the private employers don't have money to give salaries. Further, 89% of the survey say that workers have not been paid any wages since the lockdown, added Bhushan.

Citing the survey further Bhushan contended that 76% of people receive less than 2 meals a night and 96% have not received the ration from the government let alone the cooked meal.

Bhushan appraised the court that the studies conducted included more than 11,000 workers. The apex court, however, raised a question on the survey.

Consequently, SC refused to pass any orders and left it on the government to decide.