[LIVE UPDATES] Supreme Court Hearing On Plight Of Migrant Workers (Suo Motu)

ASG Sanjay Jain says that about 2 lakh workers are still here.

Now thay construction activities have opened up, people are not expressing desire to go back

Bhushan J. - who is appearing for delhi?

ASG Sanjay jain, taking the bench through statistics of number of migrants who have been transported.

He now says that railway fares have been provided.

SG, “Earlier also, there were some concerns regarding delayed trains - I have put that on record in the affidavit. All demands by states and all assistance required, will be provided, I have no difficulty.”

SG, “I have also filed my affidavit pointing out measures being taken by centre for distribution of food etc. This is only to satisfy your conscience that as a welfare state we have done whatever we could.”

SG, “I reiterate the stand that I took on the last occassion that intevenors may not be heard.”

IJ takes strong objection to this, “We have a right to address Your Lords”.

Bench, “We will hear you after we hear Mr. Mehta”.

Sr. Adv. Indira Jaising, “The problem is that these migrants are not being treated like any other passengers who want to travel on a train.”

"They should be treated like others"

SG asks for interveners to not be heard right now. He further says that those who have no contributed to COVID management should not be heard.

Gonsalves, “We can have spots at police stations or other places where migrants can go and physically fill the registration forms.”

Bhushan J., “We’ll direct all states to bring on record the different kinds of variables involved by states- the nitty gritties. Secondly, the reliefs after returning to native place.”

Bench asks Gonsalves for the solution to registration issues.

Sr. Adv. Colin Gonsalves, “The registration system is not working, which is a major problem. Half the migrant workers are not able to register to even go back.”

He further states that two other HCs made an observation on this issue and there is need to simplify the process.

J. Bhushan, “What we propose to do is that we will give you & the states 15 days time to transport all migrants. All states will have to bring on record how they will provide employment and other kinds of relief. There should be registration of the migrants.”