Kochi: In a recent statement, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the work ethic and ego of Malayalees while commending migrant workers for their dedicated efforts towards Kerala’s development. Justice Devan Ramachandran, addressing a petition seeking the removal of unregistered migrant workers from Nettur’s wholesale market, highlighted the perceived inferiority complex and lack of interest in hard labour among Malayalees.
The judge clarified that the court is not against the migrant workers in any way, but rather to address concerns related to their registration and legal status. The judge also questioned whether migrant workers had the right to occupy the specified area.
The petition, filed by a head load worker from the Thripunithura office of the Kerala Head Load Workers Welfare Board (KHWWB), highlighted the employment of migrant workers in the Nettur wholesale market without proper registration under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979. The petitioners raised concerns about the potential increase in criminal activities due to the lack of registration and pointed out the provision of facilities by traders for the workers, including cooking and accommodation.
The court acknowledged the petitioners’ concerns but emphasized that such incidents should not be overly sensationalized. Justice Devan Ramachandran urged caution, noting that similar issues had arisen in the past 100 days and should be addressed to prevent recurrence. The court instructed the district collector to conduct a thorough investigation into the petitioner’s allegations and submit a report within three weeks. The case will be revisited after one month.
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