The Supreme Court has directed the governments in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to open community kitchens in the NCR for stranded migrant workers amid the current wave of COVID-19 pandemic and facilitate transportation for laboure’s who want to return home.

It said while providing dry ration, the authorities of the states “shall not insist on an identity card for those migrant laboure’s who do not possess for the time being and on self-declaration made by the stranded migrant laboure’s dry ration be given to them.’’

Passing a slew of interim directions to ameliorate the miseries of migrant workers facing difficulties in wake of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and restrictions imposed in several parts of India, the apex court on Thursday directed that dry ration be provided to them in the national capital region (NCR) under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme' or any other scheme by the Centre and governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and M R Shah said the Centre may also issue instructions to the Ministry of Railways to take necessary and adequate measures to cater to the need of migrant workers.

The top court passed the order on an application filed by three activists who sought directions to the Centre and states to ensure food security, cash transfers, transport facilities and other welfare measures for migrant workers who are facing distress due to the curbs clamped in several parts of the country amid the pandemic.

“NCT of Delhi, state of UP and state of Haryana (for the districts included in the NCR) shall open community kitchen at well-advertised places (in the national capital region) for stranded migrant laboure’s so that they and their family members who are stranded could get two meals a day,’’ the bench said.

106 high court judges and 2768 judicial officers hit by corona: CJI NV Raman

SC concerned over migrant labourers's condition, says govt should manage their food and lodging

Centre tells SC on corona, 'Don't take decisions in overage, trust the executive'

Supreme Court's big verdict: Can't transfer case on the basis of accused's convenience