SC issues notice to Centre, Delhi govt on plea for COVID19 vaccination of beggars
The apex court has issued notice to the Centre and Delhi government seeking response on vaccination and rehabilitation of beggars amid the COVID19 pandemic. The bench also said that it cannot accept the plea to ban begging.
The bench underlined that it would not take an ‘elitist view’ to ban begging in public places considering that it is a socio-economic issue. Photo: Pixabay
The Supreme Court today, on July 27, issued a notice to the Centre and the Delhi government on a plea seeking rehabilitation and vaccination of beggars and homeless people amidst the COVID19 pandemic.
A bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah was considering a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by one Kush Kalra seeking to restrain beggars, vagabonds and homeless people from begging at public places with the pandemic still being around.
The bench underlined that it would not take an ‘elitist view’ to ban begging in public places considering that it is a socio-economic issue.
“Why do people beg on the street? It’s a function of poverty. As the Supreme Court, we will not take an elitist view. We cannot grant the prayer to restrain them from begging, this is a socio economic problem. We can have education for their children etc,” said Justice Chandrachud.
Terming it as a wider issue of social welfare policy for the government, Justice Chandrachud pointed out that beggars, vagabonds and the homeless are entitled to medical facilities as others.
Senior Advocate Chinmoy Sharma stated that because of the impending ‘third wave’ of COVID19, there’s a serious issue regarding beggars being on streets and them being vaccinated. “We want them rehabilitated and for food and shelter,” he said.
“Since the issue is of vaccinating the persons amid covid19 pandemic, we expect response from Union and NCT of Delhi as to how this humane situation is being dealt with,” the bench ordered.
The apex court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist it in the matter. The matter will now be heard after two weeks.
Earlier this month on July 3, the Bombay High Court had stated that homeless people and beggars should work for the country as the state cannot provide them everything.
The High Court had 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.
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 Maharashtra government to consider allowing homeless persons to use such facilities free of charge.