Following massive exodus of migrant workers from cities in the wake of 21-day nationwide lockdown, imposed to break the chain of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) transmission, the government of India has knocked at the doors of the Supreme Court to control this humanitarian crisis. The court was told that the large movement of migrant labourers across the nation was triggered by some fake news about the possibility of extending the lockdown period by several weeks, thus causing panic to labourers who were left unemployed. In its attempt to solve this crisis, the central government filed an affidavit requesting the apex court to restraint the media -- electronic, print, online and social media – from publishing any content without first ascertaining the fact from the government. The solicitor general of India, Tushar Mehta, also told the court that a third of more than half-a-million migrants, who were returning to their home towns and villages through various means, including walking on foot for miles, could be infected with the novel coronavirus, posing a huge health threat.
Responding to the affidavit, the apex court cautioned the media not to disseminate unverified news that could create panic but it didn’t pass any strictures, giving a clear indication that the court understands the role of the media well. Instead, the central government was asked to give out daily bulletins within 24 hours and reach out to the general public through the media to allay fears about the disease as well as clear rumours. The court also directed the Centre to ensure food, water, beds, medicine and counselling to hundreds of migrants staying in various temporary shelter homes across the country. The police personnel were also highlighted on the need to understand the fears of the migrant workers and deal with them in a humane manner.
While it is necessary to control the exodus of migrant workers as it could lead to labour shortage and disrupt supply chain, assuming that many of them could be infected by the coronavirus without any scientific proof was unnecessary and unfounded. Presumptions and assumptions during a crisis like this could lead to stigmatisation, adding pain to migrant workers who are already facing untold suffering. The racial profiling of people from Northeast India that has been witnessed in various parts of the country over the past few weeks is a classic example of the dangers that unfounded hypothesis could bring. India should take up a practical and scientific approach to solve this ensuing crisis, including the safety of the people stranded in various parts of the country. While dissemination of correct information to the public is important, media should not be restricted in the name of curbing fake news or its role underestimated. It is the media that alerted the public and the government about the unusual movement of migrant workers following the nationwide lockdown, enabling the authorities to take action on time and control the situation. The government officials have been holding daily press briefings on the Covid-19 outbreak but that can’t replace the role of the media and there is a reason why the government has listed it as “essential service” during the lockdown. Media has been and will continue to do its job of bringing credible news, including unpleasant ones to every home.