#MadrasHighCourt hears suo motu case concerning COVID-19 management in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Matter before Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy.
On 30th we took up matter. Because of change in govt, naturally.... we were wondering if state is adequately represented..: CJ
ASG says he has filed a typeset. 1 lakh 35k vials of #Remdesivir allocated for TN for period between April 21-May 9
CJ: Mr Sankaranarayanan, no point doing anything unless the State govt is represented.
CJ to ASG: Maybe one or two things may be indicated to you... may take one or two days to appoint law officers (after change in govt)... but the virus is not waiting for anybody... whether it is a change of govt or whatever.
Court: We must all be together, we must all cooperate.. the post mortem can happen later. We have to tackle it. That's why we have prefaced our orders by saying we are not experts... we only just want to monitor.
1. Oxygen, venitlators, beds - one key area. 2. Drug #Remdesivir and concerns of black-marketing -what steps are being taken
"There's a report also of a doctor having participated in it", CJ observes.
3rd area of concern is #COVID19 vaccination, Court notes that 2 lakh 75k doses were stated to have been made available to TN today, 2 lakh #Covishield and 75k #COVAXIN
You give us an inoculation program and it has to involve some amount of equality in how that is done, CJ says
The fourth area of concern is the continuation of COVID protocol, ensuring COVID containment zones are in place where required etc, CJ observes.
CJ: We wont tell you, do this do that.. you have that authority, support.. whatever is necessary, just to remind you human life is more important... other things can wait... but human life is of greatest importance
CJ: Also Mr. ASG, a lot of aid has come in from Germany, Europe ... even small countries like Romania but they appear to be stuck in airports... there must be some clarity...
@PWilsonDMK: What has happened, certain States by consent have decided for allocation of 510 (oxygen) per day.
That has been forwarded to Central govt. An empowered group of secretaries has kept it on hold citing some other proceedings
Wilson: ... but that (the proceedings cited) has nothing to do with TN or southern states. Let ASG get instructions. Because #oxygen supply is running out.
CJ: Centre may not have adequate supply (of oxygen). We may have to generate some of our own. Find out whether #Sterlite (will produce) because it has been a week since it was opened
Wilson: Southern States have agreed for it (allocation of 510 MT per day). Central govt cannot cite some other proceedings... we are heading towards Delhi, milord
Justice Ramamoorthy to ASG: Is there some indication on the basis for allocation (of Oxygen)?
ASG says allocation is as per the prevailing situation in the State: In Maharashtra, cases are more, therefore it is more there... Some rationale is there. Smaller states have got less.
Justice Ramamoorthy: If you indicate this (basis for oxygen allocation), people will not fight over this
ASG: I bow down and say it is an all India problem.. there is no question of discrimination... What Mr Wilson said, I will come back tomorrow.
Sreedhar adds that he had earlier moved a PIL against liquor sale amid COVID-19. Informs, govt has banned alcohol sale in Puducherry till May 10, urges that this should be extended.
Additionally prays that cigarette sale also be halted.
Adv Sreedhar: At least, let them stop the sale of cigarettes for two weeks
CJ: Please don't waste time by pushing your agenda... there is no scientific basis for what you are saying... Let us not go by this puritanical attitude
To support plea to halt cigarette sale, Sreedhar refers to a report where a Union Minister had also raised concern over the issue, highlights that lungs get affected due to COVID.
CJ: You are pushing your agenda using the calamity as an excuse!
Government Pleader Mala also makes submissions on the availability of beds.
CJ: Please impress on secretary.. that transition or changeover (of Govt) does not lead to any let up in the fight against the virus. Get the latest number on the incremental number of beds, vaccines.
CJ: Tomorrow post-lunch we'll be meeting, let us try and get a better picture.
Adv Sriram says he has filed a PIL against allowing family, attendants in COVID wards, hospitals, says hospitals have become a breeding ground for COVID
CJ observes that Court cant issue directions; can only tell govt to consider this.
You are not an expert, we are not experts. Govt will take appropriate measures based on expert advice. We will also bring it to their attention, CJ tells Adv Sriram.
Adv KG Senthilkumar urges court to consider plea for use of Siddha to boost immunity.
Court: We will consider
Adv C Kanagaraj says a complete lockdown is required in Tamil Nadu.
Court: Forward petitions to ASG, if there are good suggestions, we can look into that
Court to Sr Adv Wilson: There were celebrations immediately after elections.. we had appealed to you, to your rank and file that there should be no bursting of crackers... there was widespread bursting of crackers in your office
@PWilsonDMK : We prevented it. We called the police because the public started coming and doing this. .. it was completely stopped.. leader also gave a press release..
Court: Very good
CJ urges that there should not be any rallies etc. during tomorrow's swearing-in ceremonies.
Rallies and celebrations can take place after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, Court observes.
CJ: Right now may not be the appropriate time. We appeal to you. We know that the leaders are not doing it, most people didn't even come to the office... we appreciate it
CJ adds that the concern is that the persons participating in such celebrations may risk not only themselves but others, since many may be asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers.
Full Bench of #BombayHighCourt to hear suo-motu writ registered for protecting those who are unable to access courts across the States of #Maharashtra, #Goa and UT of Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu because of limited functioning of courts due to #COVIDSecondWave.
Bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta, AA Sayed, SS Shinde and PB Varale to begin hearing shortly.
The Bench had previously extended interim orders till May 7, 2021.
Even though the situation has marginally improved since the previous order is passed, the situation is not so conducive to all concerned. The Bench has extended the interim order till June 30, 2021 on the previous terms.
BREAKING: Centre moves #SupremeCourt against Karnataka HC order which directed the Centre to immediately increase the cap on allocation of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) to the state of Karnataka to 1200 MT per day amid the COVID-19 crisis. #OxygenEmergency
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentions an appeal against Karnataka HC Order
SG: Court has asked to increase the cap from A amount to B amount?
Justice Chandrachud: We don't have the papers, mention it before the CJI
Justice Chandrachud: mention it before the CJI
SG: order has just been uploaded but SLP is filed and numbered
#BombayHighCourt is hearing plea filed by IPS officer Rashmi Shukla seeking to quash the FIR registered by the #MumbaiPolice against unknown persons for leaking information pertaining to police postings.
Court is informed that the Supreme Court hearing is still going on.
Court takes up the issue of portal for remdesivir.
A notice has been given to hospitals. Portal is operational. NIC is waiting for instructions from Health Ministry as to what all drugs have to be added to the portal : Prof Sanjay Dhir.