[Breaking] COVID19: SC Directs Centre To Ensure Welfare Of Migrant Workers, Spread Awareness Of Pandemic & Take Action Against Fake News [Read Order]

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to ensure accessibility of basic necessities & medical facilities for migrant workers in view of the nationwide lockdown.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India SA Bobde & Justice LN Rao also directed that a high level committee of experts must be set up to ensure that the awareness of COVID19 is widespread and factual amongst citizens.

Apropos this, the bench further took note of the fact that as summers were approaching, the availability of water, food and enough medicines must be ensured in shelter homes.

Noting that "Panic will destroy more lives that the spread of COVID19 virus itself", the CJI directed that the Centre must take action against all those persons who spread fake news as well, within its power.

In light of this, CJI Bobde observed that the Centre must take stringent measures against those who indulge in spreading fake news amid the Coronavirus Pandemic & create panic.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted a detailed status report in view of the Court's directions on Monday, March 30. In light of this, he pointed out that the approach of the Centre has been extremely pro-active and pre-emptive in curbing the outbreak.

According to Mehta, the status report filed by the Centre also pointed out that India had taken several steps to curb the virus outbreak as much as possible even before it reached its borders.

Furthermore, Solicitor General Mehta added that as of now, there were no migrant workers fleeing to their villages as all have been sent to shelter homes.

CJI SA Bobde also pointed out that that there was an extreme need to ensure safety, awareness & strength of the citizens of India in this time of crisis.

At this juncture, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed and stated that the crisis warranted that unprecedented orders be passed.

The hearing is now fixed for Tuesday, 7th April, 2020 for further hearing.

Click here to download the Order