The epidemic outbreak of the Cornoavirus has caused a stir globally. The Madras High Court has directed the Central and State Governments to file a counter on the plea that was heard on the 31st January, 2020 (Friday) that sought the facilitation of safe returns of Tamil people who are currently stranded in China admist the outbreak.
M. Samayaselvam, a resident of Madurai and the state secretary of the youth wing of the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Union in his petition stated that the association works in providing assistance to the people who are working abroad for their safe return to the country in case of any mishaps that prevails there.
In the midst of the outbreak of the virus, he further contended that he has been receiving many phone calls from Tamils who are currently stationed in China, especially from students who are present there. They are living in fear following the outbreak. Due to quarantine regulations they are unable to travel back to their homelands hence causing a major distraught.
Thereby, M. Samayaselvam moved the Madras High Court seeking to direct the concerned Central and State Authorities to provide medical treatment for the stationed Tamils and also faciliate their return to India.
Justice M Duraiswamy and Justice T Ravindran gave directions to the authorities on Friday, the 31st of January, 2020 and have adjourned the case to a further date for hearing.
Author - Dyuti Pandya
