SC stays Orissa HC order on migrant entry

NEWDELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed an interim order of the Orissa high court which ordered that all migrant workers returning to the state test negative for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) before being allowed to board special trains, and added that the exercise be governed by guidelines put in place by the central government.

The guidelines put in place by the Centre for the movement of migrants provide ample protection, the Supreme Court bench headed by justice Ashok Bhushan observed, after the Union government approached the apex court saying that the HC order effectively put in place precautions over and above protocols set by centre. “We stay the interim order dated 07.05.2020.

We further clarify that the stranded migrants shall be dealt with as per the order/guidelines of the Government of India dated 29.04.2020,” the SC ordered.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta told the bench, also comprising justices SK Kaul and BR Gavai, all stranded migrants boarding special trains were being screened and only those found asymptomatic were allowed. Assisted by advocate Kanu Agrawal, he said migrants were allowed only on condition they will be quarantined for requisite time in their home states.

“We are of view that the order of the Government of India dated 29.04.2020 provides ample protection. It appears that before the HC the order of the Government of India dated 29.04.2020 and the guidelines were neither brought into the notice nor were under challenge,” the SC said.