While stating that not everything can be provided by the state, the Bombay High Court stated today, on July 3, that the homeless persons and beggars should also work and contribute to the country.

“They (homeless persons) should also work for the country. Everyone is working. Everything cannot be provided by the state. You (petitioner) are just increasing the population of this section of the society,” the court said.

The High Court said so while replying to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure nutritious meals to such persons thrice a day along with potable water, shelter and clean public toilets.

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The PIL was filed by a person named Brijesh Aarya.

The BMC informed the court that food packets were being distributed to such people in Mumbai, with the help of nonprofits. Sanitary napkins were also being provided to the women from this section of the society, it added.

A division Bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni accepted this submission and stated that no further direction is required to augment the distribution.

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In its order, the court also noted that public toilets in Mumbai and across the state charge a minimum amount for usage of the public toilets. The court directed the state government to consider allowing homeless persons to use such facilities free of charge.

“We direct the State government to look if the homeless persons can use these toilets free of charge,” the Bench said.

(With inputs from Press Trust of India)