Allow only coronavirus negative workers to return, suggests Odisha HC

Cuttack, May 7 () The Orissa High Court on Thursdaysuggested that the state government ensure that only thosemigrant workers, who are tested negative for COVID-19, areallowed to return to the state.

Adjudicating over a PIL, a division bench comprisingJustice Kumari Sanju Panda and Justice K R Mohapatra adjournedthe matter till the next sitting of the bench.

"In the meantime, the state government should ensurethat all the migrants who are in the queue to come to Odishashould be tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding theconveyance," the bench said during the hearing.

The high court, however, has not specified whether thestate government would ensure the corona status of thereturnees through laboratory tests or thermal screening tests.

Social activist Narayan Chandra Jena had written aletter to the high court on May 1 seeking judicialintervention for ensuring that corona inflicted migrantworkers are not allowed to enter the state by the government.

The letter was converted to a PIL on May 4 and thepetitioner appeared in person to argue the case on Thursday. COR AAM SKNNN NN