5
issues highlighted in the said advisory is that the police and the
other administrative authorities have to adopt a humane approach in
dealing with migrant workers and stranded tourists.
The Solicitor General of India has also referred to the Status
Report to make a submission that the exodus of migrant labourers
was triggered due to panic created by some fake/misleading news and
social media.
The
Status
Report
refers
to
an
advisory
given
by
the
Government of India on 24.03.2020 to the authorities to effectively
deal with rumour mongering.
While
informing
this
Court
about
the
steps
taken
by
the
Government of India to ensure that the migrant labourers are being
shifted to nearby shelters/relief camps from place they were found
to be walking and basic amenities being provided to them, the Union
of
India
has
sought
a
direction
from
this
Court
to
the
State
Governments and the Union Territories to implement the directions
issued by the Central Government. A further direction was sought to
prevent
fake
and
inaccurate
reporting
whether
intended
or
not,
either by electronic print or social medial which will cause panic
in the society.
Having considered the submissions made by the petitioners-inperson and the learned Solicitor General of India and upon perusal
of the Status Report filed on behalf of the respondent – Union of
India, we are satisfied with the steps taken by the Union of India
for preventing the spread of Corona Virus [COVID 19] at this stage.