Supreme Court Raps Bengal Over Distribution Of Dry Rations To Sex Workers

A bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai said that with spurt in coronavirus cases the matter needs utmost attention as the issue is of survival while the state government was taking the issue lightly.

The Supreme Court Monday rapped the West Bengal government for not filing status report on providing dry rations to sex workers in the state, observing that fundamental rights are guaranteed to all citizens irrespective of vocation.

A bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai said that with spurt in coronavirus cases the matter needs utmost attention as the issue is of survival while the state government was taking the issue lightly.

"How many times should we tell you. We will pass strictures against you. Have you seen the order passed on the last date? Why can't you file an affidavit. When all the other states are filing, then why can't West Bengal do so.

"Just because we are not taking a tough stand, doesn't mean that you can take us lightly. We can only ask you to take these matters seriously. We are looking at this case because ration is not being provided and survival is the problem. So, you can't take these things lightly," the bench said.