Kerala HC Seeks Details on Migrant Worker Registration and Living Conditions

The Kerala High Court has sought information on the registration process and living conditions of migrant workers in the State.

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and S Manu requested these details while hearing a plea concerning the significant influx of migrant workers into Kerala.

The Court emphasized the necessity of a systematic approach to monitoring the influx and living conditions of migrant workers. It has called for details on the procedures adopted by Local Self Government authorities regarding the registration of migrant workers and the oversight of their living conditions.

The division bench was hearing a petition filed by TGN Kumar, who raised multiple concerns about the substantial influx of migrant workers into Kerala, particularly from West Bengal.

The petitioner highlighted that many migrant workers arriving in Kerala possess fabricated identity documents, such as Aadhar and PAN cards. Additionally, he asserted that several of these workers have criminal backgrounds, citing incidents of counterfeit currency circulation and other criminal activities involving migrant workers. He stressed the need for stringent registration and monitoring processes.

The petitioner further argued that there is a significant discrepancy between the official census figures and the actual number of migrant workers in Kerala. While the official figure stands at 5.2 lakh, the actual number is estimated to be around 7.5 lakh, indicating that approximately 2.5 lakh migrant workers are unregistered. This makes it challenging for the State to track and regulate them.

The petitioner informed the Court that he had already raised these issues with the State’s Labour Department authorities through a representation, but no action had been taken despite a reminder. Consequently, he has now approached the High Court for relief. The petition was filed through Advocate Ameer Salim.