Kerala HC seeks state govt's response on level of preparedness to deal with Gulf expats

After Kerala Government anunced its decision to bring back around two lakh expatriates, mainly blue-collar workers, from Gulf countries after lifting of lockdown, Kerala High Court on Friday sought a statement on record from state government on its level of preparedness to deal with returnees. Officials have reportedly said that after bringing m back, state will face a huge challenge since over half of total COVID-19 cases in Kerala have been traced to those who h returned from region.

A Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and TR Ravi sought response on a petition seeking repatriation for Keralites from Gulf countries and slated matter for May 2.

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"What UK or US does is t applicable to India. We cant compel Union government to violate lockdown without Kerala's preparedness on record. We are afraid that as matters w stand, it may t be proper or possible to issue a direction to Union government to repatriate citizens since Supreme Court appears to have taken a stand against it alrey," court said.

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Kerala High Court also directed  state government to disclose if it intends to dilute Centre's lockdown guidelines in any manner. This comes shortly after Kerala government h allowed opening of restaurants, bus travel in cities and MSME industries in urban areas, but later withdrew relaxations after MHA stated that se relaxations “amount to dilution of lockdown guidelines” imposed by Centre to prevent spre of vel coronavirus.

vocate Thulsi K Raj, appearing for petitioner, said that " one is questioning necessity of lockdown. But Centre's policy is disproportionately affecting a section of people", to which court replied saying "We understands that this is a human issue, but re are people stranded in India as well."

(with inputs from ANI)

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