Thread by @barandbench

Karnataka HC begins hearing a batch of pleas seeking to provide proper facilities to COVID-19 patients in the state.

Chief Justice AS Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar is hearing the pleas.

#COVID19
#KarnatakaFightsCorona

Bench first questions the State on a complaint sent to email of CJ.

The complainant alleges that his son in law passed away as many hospitals denied to admit him. He was COVID-19 positive.

The enquiry must start with the complainant, Bench.

#COVID19
#KarnatakaCoronaUpdate

Adv GR Mohan relies on a TOI news report and informs that one more doctor passed away as he did not get a bed in ICU.

@toi

#COVID19

Bench: Who has made the enquiry? Either a very senior health or police officer should have been made to enquire.

#COVID19

Court now questions state on the availability of N-95 masks.

When experts are saying N-95 gives the best protection against virus, now Central Govt is saying that it is not an essential Commodity.

#COVID19

State informs the variation of range in prices of masks - Rs 60 to Rs 300

That means people are profiteering from this, says Bench.

Union Of India says that prices should be controlled by Market dynamics, Bench.

Bench: When State Govt is purchasing mask for Rs 44, common man has to buy it for Rs 250.

In the current situation, is market dynamics important or regulation of prices? Bench

#COVID19

When numbers of cases are rising everyday, can you say let price of masks be decided by market dynamics? Court asks Central Govt

#COVID19

Adv Shridhar Prabhu: State has informed that hand sanitizers are sold from Rs 50 to Rs 180. The price difference is almost 4 times. State has not shown the reasons for this variation

#COVID19

Court asks State whether insurance of 30 Laks has been given to those Pourakarmikas who died owing to COVID-19

Matter to be heard next on September 9.