The second COVID-19 wave has struck the nation with an unanticipated pace. On Friday, 7th May 2021, India reported over 4 lakh cases for second straight day. Reported daily death toll of 3,915 was an all-time high. An unprecedented rise in demand for Beds, Oxygen, and Remdesivir has posed an extraordinary challenge to cadres involved in public health management. Concerns related to the same have necessitated judicial intervention which has been no less than activism.
Be it Supreme Court (SC) or various high courts (HC’s), their routine interventions have augmented and refined the strategic and logistical support in the handling of the second wave.
The Supreme Concerns
Apart from cautioning government against coercive action on citizens sharing grieviances on social media, SC recommended several regulatory measures to control allocation of medical essentials. In a recent judgement Supreme Court told Centre not to leave vaccine pricing on the will of manufacturers.”Don’t leave it to the manufacturers. How will they determine equity?. Invoke your powers to see that additional facilities are created for vaccine manufacturing”, said Justice Chandrachud.
Raising the bar High
Several High Courts across the country have risen to the occasion. The Delhi High Court has been frequently in news through its recommendations such as installation of digital information board, appointment of a representative for all hospitals, or strict enforcement of oxygen allocation. Meanwhile other High courts such as Madras and Calcutta HC’s have been vocal about the laxity in enforcement of electoral code of conduct. The Voices looks at some major courtroom interventions.
Edited by: N.K. Jha
Info Graphic by: Mittu Singh
1 Comment
Amazingly written! A compilation of very relevant information! Well researched and well organized!