The Supreme Court on Tuesday came to the rescue of many migrant workers and issued a slew of instructions to the Union and the State governments, directing them to ensure the welfare of this vulnerable class of people.
Firstly, the Court ordered the Centre and the State governments to withdraw all police cases against migrants who were found flouting lockdown guidelines while walking back home.
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A bench headed by Justices Ashok Bhushan, MR Shah and V Ramasubramanian also directed the authorities to ensure that all migrant workers who wish to return to their homes are provided the opportunity within the coming 15 days.
The Centre was directed to make available Shramik Express trains within 24 hours after receiving the request from the state authorities. The Centre informed the court that the states had asked for an additional 171 trains to transport the remaining migrant workers.
The Centre and States were also asked to compile a list of welfare schemes for these workers.
The authorities have been asked to focus on providing food and employment opportunities to the migrant workers and counsel them before they are reemployed.
The state of migrants led to a humanitarian crisis across the country and the government has been severely criticized for not ensuring the welfare of this class of people, as they traveled to their villages on foot.