In Brief

During India's COVID-19 lockdown, the Supreme Court took suo motu (self-initiated) action to address the severe crisis of migrant workers stranded across the country without adequate transportation, food, or shelter. The Court found that while governments had taken some measures, significant lapses existed in registration, transport arrangement, and relief provision. The Court directed the Central Government and all States/Union Territories to immediately provide free transportation, food, and shelter, and to submit detailed responses outlining their plans and mechanisms for helping these workers return home safely and with dignity.

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