SARVA HARA JAN ANDOLAN Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The PIL(L) No. 5443 of 2020 relates to the issue of redressal of grievances of migrant labourers in the State of Maharashtra pursuant to the 21-day lock-down declared by the Government of India after the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions placed on their movement. On 3rd April 2020, an order was passed by this Court interalia noting that the Supreme Court is seized of the matter relating to migrant labourers all over India. In PIL(L) No. 22 of 2020 grievances are raised in respect of homeless and other marginalised communities in the city of Mumbai pursuant to the COVID-19 pandemic and in particular relating to making water, food and healthcare facilities available to them.

(2.) Learned AGP has pointed out that the State Government has set up 4871 relief/shelter camps and about 7.5 lac migrant labourers have been accommodated and are being provided 3 meals a day. He submitted that a common help-line has been provided in each district. He further submitted that 5 kgs food grain per person has been provided free of cost under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. He submitted that various advisories have been issued by the Central Government and the State Government which are being followed by the Authorities.

(3.) Learned Senior Counsel for the Petitioners submitted that though various advisories have been issued by the Central and State Government and there are several schemes in place, there is no implementation of the same by the State authorities and the benefits are not reaching the migrant labourers and homeless persons. She submitted that there is no proper response to the help-lines and there are several areas where there is no water, food, medicines and healthcare, and toilet facilities made available. Learned AGP however disputes this position.