Rohingya Refugees: Delhi HC Asks PIL Petitioner to Approach Nodal Officer with Grievances about Denial of Ration, Drinking Water & Medical Aid

Case Name: Fazal Abdali vs. Government of NCT of Delhi (W.P (C) 3063/2020

Date of Decision: 8th May 2020

Quorum: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manmohan and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Narula

A PIL was filed by Mr Fazal Abdali, seeking immediate relief for the Rohingya families living in three different settlements in Delhi on the ground that they have been denied relief under the various relief packages announced by the Delhi Government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Petitioner argued that despite the Supreme Court’s order dated 11/15/18, the Delhi Government failed to provide basic amenities such as safe drinking water, sanitation, medical aid and education for their children.

While going through the submissions made by the Petitioner, the court observed that “Neither the names of the families with whom the petitioner had conversation nor the name of the individual who was detained by the local police has been mentioned in the said representation.

Further, in the representation dated 23rd April, 2020, again a general allegation has been made”.

While noting that a similar writ petition is pending before the Supreme Court, and that the Apex court had already passed an interim order for the appointment of a Nodal Officer, the court directed the Petitioner to approach the concerned nodal officer with the grievances regarding denial of ration, drinking water and medical.

By Priyanka of SPPU