On June 2, 2025, the Kerala High Court disposed of a writ petition that sought a directive for the state government to verify the identities and criminal backgrounds of migrant workers entering Kerala. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, determined that the matter falls under the purview of the state government and should be addressed administratively.

The petitioner alleged that a significant number of migrant workers, particularly from Bengal, possess fabricated identity documents and are involved in various criminal activities, including the circulation of counterfeit currency. The plea claimed that approximately 2.5 lakh unregistered migrant workers reside in the state, and that the government lacks an effective mechanism to monitor them. However, the court noted that the petition relied primarily on newspaper reports and a letter from the petitioner, without substantial evidence.

Consequently, the court directed that the petition be forwarded to the appropriate Secretary of the State Government for consideration and necessary action. An oral instruction was also given to the Government Pleader to ensure the matter is brought before the relevant department.

This decision underscores the court’s stance that policy matters concerning the verification and monitoring of migrant workers are within the administrative domain of the government, not the judiciary.

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