Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday disposed of a PIL which sought directions to send migrants back to their native place without being charged with a fare while observing that the central government is taking all necessary steps in this direction.
The petition, filed by Jagdeep S Chhokar and represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan in the court, contended that migrant workers are being made to pay for their travel back home.
Noting that 64% of migrant workers have less than Rs. 100 left with them while they are being charged between Rs 700 and 800 for their tickets, Bhushan said that although the government has claimed that it would subsidise 85% of the fare, the remaining 15% is also proving expensive for the workers.
While stressing that travel for these migrants must be made free and unconditional, Bhushan said, “Most of the migrant labourers are asked to go to the hospital and bring a certificate to show the concerned authority, why these things are happening? Where will they go and bring these medical certificates from?”
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The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, contended that the situation was being monitored and requested the bench consisting of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, and BR Gavai to let the government decide on the matter.
On being asked by the bench if 85% of the fare would be funded by the government, Solicitor General said that he is yet to receive instructions from the Centre on the same.
