C.H.SHARMA Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard.

(2.) At the outset it may be noted that today's proceedings were conducted through video-conferencing. With the assistance of all learned counsel and in view of appropriate arrangements made by the Registry, the proceedings could be conducted smoothly.

(3.) Pursuant to the order dated 23.03.2020 affidavit has been filed by the respondent no.4-District Collector. In the said affidavit, it has been stated that with regard to the matter of setting up of separate isolation wards in jails across Vidarbha Region, the Superintendent, Nagpur Central Prison has on 03.04.2020 informed the Office of the Collector that a separate quarantine barrack has been prepared and fifteen isolation wards are reserved in Nagpur Central Prison. It is further stated that various steps have been taken at public undertakings in the matter of containment of Coronavirus by ensuring thermostat checking of staff members and deployment of medical teams in that regard. As regards migrant workers stranded at various places in the district, directions have been issued to ensure that food is provided through 'Shivbhojan Thali Yojna' at various centres in the State. The rate of that Thali has been reduced to Rs.5/- for a period of further three months to facilitate provision of meals to workers, migrants and homeless persons. Forty one shelter homes have been created in Nagpur District (Rural) Area with a capacity to accommodate 4990 migrant workers. Out of the aforesaid in twelve shelter homes about 475 migrant workers have been accommodated. It has also been stated that the District Administration has isolated about thirty people in the district who had reported about their travel history and visit to Nijamuddin Markaz.