[BREAKING] Prashant Bhushan & SG Tushar Mehta Clash Over Responsibilities | SC Examines Migrant Workers' Welfare Case

The Supreme Court of India Today (Dec 9) took up a critical case concerning the welfare of migrant workers. Advocate Prashant Bhushan presented the issue before a Bench led by Justice Surya Kant, highlighting delays in the issuance of ration cards. This case has brought sharp exchanges between legal representatives and exposed the complexities surrounding migrant welfare policies.

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[BREAKING] Prashant Bhushan & SG Tushar Mehta Clash Over Responsibilities | SC Examines Migrant Workers' Welfare Case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has taken up a critical case concerning the welfare of migrant workers. Advocate Prashant Bhushan presented the issue before a Bench led by Justice Surya Kant, highlighting delays in the issuance of ration cards.

This case has brought sharp exchanges between legal representatives and exposed the complexities surrounding migrant welfare policies.

Concerns Raised Over Ration Distribution

Advocate Bhushan voiced concerns about states failing to provide rations even where migrant workers have been identified. Stressing the urgency, he noted,

“These workers are among the poorest, earning under Rs10,000.”

Bhushan requested an early hearing on the matter, underscoring the dire conditions of migrant laborers.

The Court acknowledged the importance of addressing long-term solutions and job creation but announced it would consider the matter on a non-miscellaneous day, tentatively January 8.

Solicitor General’s Strong Rebuttals

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta offered a sharp counter, accusing certain individuals of exploiting the Court’s suo motu case to push agendas. He remarked,

“Armchair intellectuals only drafted petitions during COVID, doing nothing else!”

Mehta emphasized the challenges of managing government affairs, defending the Centre’s initiatives. He also requested permission to file an affidavit detailing the welfare measures already undertaken.

In a direct reference to Bhushan, Mehta stated,

“During COVID, thousands of people helped one another, not sitting in air-conditioned rooms preparing petitions.”

The SG further argued,

“This was a COVID-specific order, and now requests for more are being made under the guise of public interest.”

Heated Exchanges Between Advocates

Tensions escalated during the hearing as Bhushan criticized SG Mehta’s remarks, stating,

“The issue with Mr. Mehta is that whenever I appear, he feels the need to make sarcastic remarks—this is his problem.”

The Court intervened humorously, saying,

“We selectively hear these comments!”

Bhushan accused Mehta of harboring a personal vendetta, referencing damaging emails he had released earlier. Mehta retorted sharply, saying,

“He’s reached the lowest point! Those emails were presented in court. There’s a judgment that ‘exposes’ Bhushan.”

Further defending the government’s actions, Mehta commented,

“Bhushan’s attempts to govern through PILs will face objections.”

However, the Court responded assertively, stating,

“If PILs address valid issues, they must be considered.”

Population Census and Food Security Debates

A significant point raised by Bhushan was the lack of a census since 2011. He argued that this oversight excluded an estimated 10 crore additional people from ration entitlements, stating,