Calcutta High Court has asked the Centre to clarify how two Bengali migrant families were sent from Delhi to Bangladesh. The Court seeks details on the deportation process and designated points of exit.
Yesterday, On 26th November, The Supreme Court raised concerns about the ongoing distribution of free rations, emphasizing the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. While directing welfare measures for migrant workers, it questioned the sustainability of these schemes post-pandemic. The court seeks a balance between welfare initiatives and practical governance, with further hearings planned.
The Supreme Court Today (Oct 4) took a serious view of delays noticed in the grant of ration cards to eligible migrant workers. A Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah gave a final opportunity to the Central government as well as the governments of States and Union Territories (UTs) to take necessary steps by November 19. The Court warned that it may summon the secretaries of defaulting States for contempt of court if the needful is not done.
Former Madras High Court judge Justice PN Prakash criticized the appointment of public prosecutors, pointing out that their political affiliations undermine the legal system. He also highlighted issues of perjury, civil suits, and language barriers faced by migrant workers in criminal cases. The discussion also covered the impact of civil disputes on criminal cases and the challenges faced by magistrates.
The Supreme Court mandated states and Union Territories to issue ration cards to 80 million e-Shram portal registered migrant workers to improve food security. Delays in ration card distribution due to e-KYC updates for 800 million existing holders were addressed. The bench emphasized urgency, setting the next hearing for July 16, and highlighted the exclusion of over 100 million workers from the Food Safety Act due to outdated census data.
