"Homeless Persons Should Also Work For The Country, Everything Cannot Be Provided By The State": Bombay High Court

Disposing of a public interest litigation seeking relief measures for the homeless and poor persons, the Bombay High Court on Saturday orally observed they the homeless persons should also work the Country and that everything cannot be provided by the State.

A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Girish S Kulkarni orally remarked thus:

"Homeless persons should also work the Country. There is employment and livelihood provided for them under various government schemes. Everyone is working. Everything cannot be provided by the State."

The Bench also remarked that by way of filing such petitions, it will only increase the population of such homeless people.

The development came while the bench was hearing a PIL filed seeking relief measures including providing a nutritious meal thrice a day, free shelter with clean public toilets and bathrooms etc. for the homeless and poor persons.

The PIL was accordingly disposed of by the Bench after the Court was apprised by the State Government and the BMC that adequate steps with regards to providing nutritious food and sanitary napkins to women were being provided.

Taking the aforesaid submissions on record, the Court disposed of the plea.

"We are of the considered opinion that the State and the BMC are taking steps in the right directions for the homeless and no direction is required at this stage. PIL petition stands disposed of." the Court said.