SC directs northern states to act immediately
Making it clear that not a single person should be allowed to die for lack of protection against the winter this season, the Supreme Court today directed Punjab, Haryana and other northern states to immediately provide night shelters with adequate amenities to all those living without a roof over them.
A Bench comprising Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Dipak Misra passed a series of separate orders in respect of each state, asking the Chief Secretaries to file affidavits by January 3 confirming compliance with its rulings. Even if the states were not in a position to provide permanent night shelters immediately, they should make arrangements for temporary shelters which should have water, sanitation, electricity and other basic amenities, the Bench clarified.
The Bench explained the urgency, citing the onset of the winter season and the need for protecting the lives of people as guaranteed under the Constitution.
Haryana said it had 51 night shelters, of which only two were permanent. “Why are you not constructing permanent night shelters,” the Bench asked. The state counsel said four were under construction and assured the court that he would consult the government and come back.
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