A Public Interest Litigation was brought before the High Court of Delhi seeking directions to the Centre and AAP government to take steps for protection, social security and welfare measures for the sex workers and the LGBT community during the period of lockdown.
The plea further sought effective measures to provide food, medical facilities and financial aid to sex workers and LGBT community members. It was recommended in the plea to constitute a committee for rehabilitation of sex workers.
It was also sought that the authorities should exempt the concerned people from paying house rent and also set up a separate helpline to counsel them and address their problems during the time of lockdown.
It was stated by the petitioner that he had given a representation highlighting the plight of the sex workers and the LGBT community members to the Chief Minister of Delhi and the Lieutenant Governor, but no steps were taken regarding the same.
It was further stated in the plea that “There is no particulars or details found regarding grant of any financial aid and scheme to sex workers and LGBT community people by the Delhi government, despite the exercise of due diligence by the petitioner and other people in the society”.
Court’s Observations
On the 11th May 2020, a bench of Justices Rajiv Sahai and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal of the High Court declined to entertain the PIL. A detailed order from the court giving reasons for dismissal is awaited.
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