Covid-19 situation ‘grim’, observes SC; seeks report from Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam

Taking note of the worsening Covid-19 situation in the country, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the state governments to file status reports on the current situation in the respective states. Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam have been asked to file affidavits on the steps taken so far by them. All states must prepare for coming months, the apex court said, expressing concerns as several states have reported a resurgence of Covid-19 wave in November.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said, “It is time to introspect where we are lacking. Keep in mind situation is likely to grow grim in the coming months. The situation is likely to grow grim in the coming months. We are of the opinion that all states must be prepared for the coming months. In the last two weeks in November, deaths have increased in Delhi. Similar is the situation in other states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Assam among other states. We need to know the situation as on date.”

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The bench was hearing a suo moto petition on the management of medical care given to Covid-19 patients and the manner of treating bodies, after certain news reports showed bodies lying unattended in the hospital. Pursuant to this petition, the Court ordered detailed steps for all states on June 19 and July 27 to constitute expert committees and install CCTVs in Covid wards.

While most states had filed compliance of these directions, the bench sought current status keeping in mind the upsurge in November and expected spike in coming months.

The Court also rapped the Gujarat government and wondered how it was allowing political celebrations, weddings at a time when the number of cases are on the rise.

The responses have to be filed before the next date of hearing fixed for Friday.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta placed his anguish on record that a matter concerning dignified treatment of bodies should come to be monitored by this Court. “Where have we reached. It’s really unfortunate for humanity that a Constitutional Court has to deal with such a matter,” he said.