Want to be a
Soolegal Member
Team SoOLEGAL
14 May 2020 3:34pm

No migrant workers should be denied the opportunity to travel back to their home town only because they are unable to pay the transport fare: Karnataka HC

0
0
3
0

On Tuesday, the High Court of Karnataka directed the state government to take an immediate decision on the issue of paying railway fare by those migrants who are willing to travel home but are unable to pay for transport. The Court ruled that no migrant worker should be denied an opportunity to go back to his home state on the sole basis of him being unable to pay for the transport.

The bench comprising of Justices Abhay Oka and B.V Nagarathna stated, “Prima facie, it appears to us that considering the constitutional rights of the migrant workers, no one should be deprived of an opportunity to go back to his own state only for the reason that he has no capacity to pay for the transport. The reason is that inability to pay is due to loss of livelihood."

The bench further stated that the Government must recognise and appreciate the efforts of these workers which have led to the development of infrastructure and the economy.

In this regard , the Court noted that according to the order issued by the Ministry of Railways on May 2nd, it is required that the train fare will be payable by the State Government, which will further make arrangements for the "Shramik" trains. The court directed the government to find a solution to this problem that would assure that the rights of those migrant workers who wish to return to their respective states are not infringed solely because they are in hardship and unable to pay the transportation charges.

The Bench also urged the State govt to determine whether any employers' and labor unions or any non-governmental organisations are willing to contribute in supporting migrants who are unable to pay train fares.


Tagged: migrant workers Karnataka HC transport fare travel Justice Abhay Oka Justice B.V Nagarathna Railway Shramik trains
Did you find this write-up useful? YES 0 NO 0
Active Members view all

New Members view all