Send migrants home in 15 days, drop cases against them, Supreme Court tells centre & states

June 9: In a significant judgement, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that all migrant workers willing to travel to their native places should be sent back within 15 days. The apex court further stated that all cases registered against migrants who have allegedly violated coronavirus lockdown orders should be considered for withdrawal.

A bench comprised of Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justices Sanjay K Kaul and MR Shah directed states and union territories were to collect data for giving them jobs after mapping their skills. “States need to establish  help desk which will help migrant labourers to avail of employment opportunities,” it said. It needs mention here that last month, the top court had taken suo motu cognisance of migrant workers’ miseries and ordered states to provide them free food, shelter and travel.

The 3-member bench of the Supreme Court also favoured quashing of all criminal cases against migrants who had proceeded on foot, some by bicycles etc. It said all states and union territories should consider withdrawal all complaints and prosecution against the migrant workers for violating the lockdown rules. The apex court on Tuesday also directed all states to submit affidavits on schemes for migrants and their job creation by 8 July when it will take up the issue next.