New Delhi: The Delhi High Court recently observed the “next Covid pandemic” was far from over as it asked for details on the Centre’s preparedness for the collection of samples, centres and transport policy.
Justice Girish Kathpalia said though it was sanguine that the steps and protocols would be in place, the same ought to be brought on record by the authorities concerned.
“Considering that the next Covid pandemic is far from over and in fact, active, amongst the community, today, as per news reports, the vacuum, if any, of steps taken post the meeting of May 30, 2023, is a serious issue,” the judge said.
The court’s May 28 order further said, “This assumes certain urgency, considering that there are wide reports of COVID-19, being active in the community, as on date; it would, therefore, be expected from the respondent to crystallise an urgent set of measures, in order that these SoPs are in place and whatever decision was taken in the meeting, has reached its proper conclusion.”
The court was hearing a contempt plea filed by one Dr Rohit Jain alleging non-compliance by the authorities of an order passed by the division bench of the high court on January 27, 2023.
The bench had disposed of Jain’s plea on the issue while directing the Central government to treat it as a representation and decide it within 12 weeks through a reasoned order. Jain submitted despite the orders, no guidelines were framed by the Centre with respect to establishing minimum standards for sample collection, centres and transport.
The court said the Centre’s standing counsel Monika Arora should ensure that officers concerned were apprised of the court’s directions and place a status report within the six weeks. The court then posted the hearing on July 18.
It was informed that a meeting was held under the chairmanship of additional director general of health services on May 30, 2023 and the petitioner was also invited.
Four sub-committees of experts in pathology, biochemistry, haematology and microbiology were formed to frame SOPs for sample collection, centres, transport and storage. However, the court noted no update on the meeting minutes, though this decision may weaken the contempt petition.