SG: I have something more to say as an officer of the court. Have a complaint. There are some media reports and some people - two complaints I want to register.

"There are prophets of doom who keep spreading Misinformation. Not showing courtesy to the Nation"

#MigrantWorkers

SG:
"All these people writing on social media, giving interviews cannot even acknowledge what is being done.
state governments and ministers are working over night. They don’t even have the patriotism to acknowledge that.
Human race is facing most difficult challenge"

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta:

"Centre is doing a lot to prevent #COVID19 but there are Prophets of Doom in our country who only spread negativity, negativity, negativity. These arm chair intellectuals do not recognize the nation's effort"

SG:
"There was a photographer who went to Sudan in 1983. There was a panic stricken child. A vulture was waiting for the child to die. He photographed it and the photo was published in NYT and the photographer was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. He committed suicide after 4 months"

SG conitnues:
"... a journalist had asked him - what happened to the child? He said I don’t know, I had to return home. Then the reporter asked him - how many vultures were there? He said one. The reporter said - no. There were two. One was holding the camera...."

"Those who come before your Lordships, let them establish their credentials. They earn in crores. Have they spent a penny? People are feeding people on the streets. Had any of them cared to come out of their AC offices?"
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submits vehemently

"For these arm chair intellectuals, Lordships are neutral only if they abuse the executive. If a handful of people want to control the institution, then it will become an ADM Jabalpur incident. All these people wanting to intervene need to apply the vulture and child story...: SG

"The question to ask is, What have they contributed? Your lordships must ask them to file an affidavit on their contribution? Except for writing on social media, penning articles, giving interviews? People are working tirelessly. From the safai karamcharis to the PM"
- SG

"Don't let anyone use this platform to become a political platform. Let the impleadment applicant file affidavit on what their contribution is. See the letter which is doing the rounds"
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul : "People who have been part of the institution, if they believe they can run down the institution it is unfortunate. We have to go by our conscience."
#MigrantWorkers

SG continues:
"Some High Courts are running a parallel government.

Senior Advocate PS Narsimha now arguing for the State of Uttar Pradesh: "18 lakh persons have been shifted and 1335 trains have been running. At every stage they have now established a mechanism"

Narsimha: Apart from transporting 18 lakh persons, camps have been established, food is being provided in these camps.
Bench asks if anyone is appearing for Maharashtra.
No counsel appearing for Maharashtra.

Advocate Manish kumar for State of Bihar:
"10 lakh people received by road. There are quarantine Centers at block level, Panchayat level and village level. People from same source area being kept at the same Center. People being reimbursed for tickets and expenses."

Bench:
"We are much concerned about transportation of those who are stranded. There are several parts of the problem. You are telling about the second part after they reach the state, what happens after they reach there?"
#MigrantWorkers

Bench: "You're the only state [Bihar] which seems to be reimbursing. The person should have money in their pocket in the first place. No #Migrant should be charged any fare. There has to be some arrangements between states about who bears the cost."

Adv. Manish K. Singhvi appearing for State of Bihar - What I've heard is that 85-15% is being paid by centre and state governments.

SG - Every state has a different plan.

Singhvi - We have transit camps at borders. Have got 7.5 lakh persons.

#MigrantWorkers

Narsimha: "It’s very important for the states to file affidavits so that the good work that is being done is recognised"

Bench: "We will be granting further time to the states to file reports"

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal begins arguing.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta: Let them argue only after the reports have been filed. this court cannot be made a political platform.

@KapilSibal
#MigrantWorkers

Sibal to SG: It’s a humanitarian crisis. Nothing to do with politics. Don’t make it personal.
SG: This forum should not become a political platform.
Sibal: it's a humanitarian crisis.
SG: What's your contribution in the crisis?
Sibal: 4 Crores. That's my contribution.
@KapilSibal

Sibal - I as a counsel want to assist the court
SG - then let the reports come
Sibal - I am seeking indulgence of the Court. You can’t object to that.
Sibal - I am appearing for 2 organisations.
#MigrantWorkers
@KapilSibal

Bench to Sibal:
We cannot have organisations argue at this point. Otherwise everyone will want to come here and argue. At a relevant stage we will seek your assistance.
Sibal: I'm not here for a political purpose. Will only take 15 minutes.
@KapilSibal
#MigrantWorkers