The Kerala High Court has sought response from the State Government regarding the registration process and living conditions of migrant workers in the state.

The recent development arises from a petition requesting that the Secretary of the Labour Department review the submitted representations and take action to identify and register the influx of migrant workers in the State.

“The learned Government Pleader is directed to get instructions in regard to the registration process of the migrant workers as well as to the living condition of the migrant workers in the State. The learned Government Pleader is directed specifically to get instructions from the Local Self Government Department whether they have device or mechanism to find out number of occupants of the residential building where the migrant workers find shelter or residence, while they are in Kerala.”

Advocate Ameer Salim's petition argues that many migrant workers, particularly from Bengal, come to Kerala under the pretense of finding employment. The plea claims that a significant number of these workers have criminal backgrounds and have falsified their identity documents.

The plea asserts that migrant workers are implicated in a significant portion of the criminal cases filed in the State. Citing news reports, it claims there are approximately 250,000 unregistered migrant workers. Additionally, the plea alleges that these workers are involved in the distribution of counterfeit currency. It argues that the State Government lacks an effective system for monitoring these migrant workers.

The matter has been posted after two weeks.

The plea has been moved by Advocate Ameer Salim

Case Title: TGN Kumar v State of Kerala