In Brief
This suo motu Supreme Court petition addressed the crisis faced by migrant workers stranded in India during the COVID-19 lockdown. The Court rejected Maharashtra's defensive posture, holding that in public interest litigation the State has an affirmative duty to proactively identify and address shortcomings affecting vulnerable populations. The State cannot escape responsibility by claiming ignorance; instead, it must act on available information. The Court directed the State to file detailed replies and serve copies of affidavits to aid counsel, listing matters for further hearing to ensure coordinated relief for stranded migrants.
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