The bench pointed out that according to the government, all those accommodated in the shelters were being provided with food. (File Photo/Representational) The bench pointed out that according to the government, all those accommodated in the shelters were being provided with food. (File Photo/Representational)

HEARING A petition concerning migrant workers hit by the lockdown to curb the COVID-19 spread, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said it did not want to interfere in government decisions for the next 10-15 days.

Heading a three-judge bench, Chief Justice of India S A Bobde made the remarks while hearing the plea by activist Harsh Mander.

Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Prashant Bhushan said about four lakh migrant workers, who had started walking to their homes after the lockdown, were lodged in shelter homes, making a mockery of social distancing. He urged the court to allow these workers to return to their homes and to direct payment of wages to them, saying that many did not have money to send home.

The bench pointed out that according to the government, all those accommodated in the shelters were being provided with food.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government is on the job and is looking into complaints received.

The CJI pointed out that the petitioners were saying that in some shelters, the food is inedible and added that this is not something the court could monitor.

The court, however, observed that it will ask the government to put in place a helpline for complaints.

Here’s a quick Coronavirus guide from Express Explained to keep you updated: What can cause a COVID-19 patient to relapse after recovery? | COVID-19 lockdown has cleaned up the air, but this may not be good news. Here’s why | Can alternative medicine work against the coronavirus? | A five-minute test for COVID-19 has been readied, India may get it too | How India is building up defence during lockdown | Why only a fraction of those with coronavirus suffer acutely | How do healthcare workers protect themselves from getting infected? | What does it take to set up isolation wards?

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App.