In Brief
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court addressed the plight of migrant workers who lost employment due to lockdowns and faced hunger and hardship. The Court held that the State has a constitutional duty under Article 21 to provide food security and welfare support to migrant and unorganized workers during crises. The judgment mandates that States establish schemes for dry ration distribution to all migrant workers regardless of ration card status, with the Central Government providing additional foodgrains as required. States must implement the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, register establishments and workers under labour laws, establish community kitchens, and complete a National Database for Unorganised Workers by specified deadlines to ensure migrant workers can access government welfare schemes and benefits.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.