By: Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar: A record 3164 people have tested positive for novel coronavirus and 25 persons succumbed to the virus in the Jammu and Kashmir as per the government’s latest daily figure for last 24 hours on Tuesday.
Previously, the highest daily count was recorded on April 25 when 2381 people had tested positive for the virus.
Among the 3164 new cases, official sources told GNS that 1030 were from Jammu Division and 2134 from Kashmir Valley, taking the total case tally to 166054.
Providing the district wise details, they said, Srinagar reported 1144 cases, Baramulla 197, Budgam 174,
Pulwama 70, Kupwara 97, Anantnag 143, Bandipora 123, Ganderbal 66, Kulgam 90, Shopian 30, Jammu 489, Udhampur 65, Rajouri 68, Doda 41, Kathua 100, Samba 98, Kishtwar 30, Poonch 39, Ramban 40 and Reasi 60.
Regarding the fresh deaths, they said, 15 were from Jammu Division and 10 from Kashmir Valley.
A 20-year-old girl and two women aged between 47 to 55 years were among at 25 more people who succumbed to covid-19 since overnight.
They said the 20-year-old was resident of Tral Pulwama and died a week after she was admitted to SKIMS Soura.
A 55-year-old woman from Qazigund Anantnag died three days after she was admitted to SKIMS Soura, they said.
A 65-year-old man from Habak Srinagar died eight days after he was admitted to SKIMS Soura, they said. An 80-year-old man from Damhal, diagnosed “HTN DM, COVID+, ARF”, was declared brought dead at GMC Anantnag at around 8:45 a.m. today, they said.
A 75-year-old man from Zainpora died a day after he was admitted to GMC Anantnag after being diagnosed with “HTN t2DM and covid positive”, they said.
Reports from Kupwara said that a 65-year-old woman from Amrooi Karnah died at JLNM Hospital Rainawari here while a 47-year-old from Suleman Tanghdar died at SMHS hospital.
A 62-year-old woman from Bagh-i-Mehtab Srinagar also died at JLNM Rainawari, one among the exclusive facilities for the management of the covid-19 patients in Kashmir Valley.
They said a 75-year-old woman from Rose colony Mehjoor Nagar, who was admitted on April 23 with bilateral Community Acquired Pneumonia, died at SMHS hospital.
A 72-year-old woman from Hawal Srinagar died at SKIMS, nine days after admitted to SKIMS Soura. A 56-year-old man, administrative officer in a government department, from Jahanghir colony Baghat Barzulla Sriangar, admitted with bilateral CAP, died as SMHS hospital.
15 fatalities were reported from Jammu division, they said. With these fresh deaths, the fatality count has reached 2197 in J&K, they added.
A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of CD hospital and GMC Anantnag.
The CD cases include female (38) from Alochibagh, female (53) from HMT, two females (73, 13) from Habak Naseembagh, male (27) from Nowhatta, four males (23, 21, 27, 67) from Mahinder Himalayan Motors, male (61) from Nowshera, male (26) from Buchpora, male (NA) and female (29) from Zoonimar, female (45) from Kawadara, female (41) from Hawal, male (62) from HMT, male (65) and two females (59, 26) from Humhama, female (03) from Eidgah, male (35) from Ahmadnagar, male (40) from Hawal, NA (42) from Lalbazar, female (22) from Safakadal, male (32) from Srg, female (25) from Chanapora, male (50) from Nawabazar, two males (07, NA) from Safakadal, male (33) from Jahangir Chowk, male (34) from Bemina, male (39) from Eidgah, male (52) from Srg, male (60) from Hyderpora Srg, male (60) from Tangmarg Baramulla, female (48) from Barzulla Srg, female (65) from Delina Baramulla, female (55) from Dalgate Srg, male (38) from Safakadal Srg, female (78) from Sonwar Srg, male (54) from Qamarwari Srg, female (30) from Natipora Srg, male (27) from Srg, male (30) and two females (30, 70) from Zoonimar Srg, male (37) from BB Cantt Srg, male (30) from Pampore, male (20) from Rajbagh, male (30) from Nawabazar, male (33) from Sonwar, male (44) from Natipora, male (43) from Dalgate, female (24) from Chattabal, male (48) from Lal Bazar, female (35) from Bemina, female (20) from Alochibagh, female (32) from Eidgah, male (36) from Batmaloo, female (34) from Rajbagh, female (40) from Tangpora, female (32) from Mehjoor Nagar, male (34) from Bemina, two males (51, 21) and two females (48, 39) from Batmaloo, female (55) from Budgam, two males (45, 55) from Batmaloo, female (24) from Alochibagh, male (35) and four females (30, 60, 06, 34) from Chanapora, two males (96, 57) and female (20) from Batmaloo, male (08) from Rawalpora, male (34) from Batmaloo, female (27) from Alochibagh, two males (16, 22) from Dalgate, female (47) and male (37) from Narwara, female (37) from Alochibagh, female (20) from Bemina, two males (35, 35) from Parraypora, male (65) from Sharief Abad, female (13) and male (28) from Batmaloo, male (45) and female (35) from Wanbal, female (43) from Alochibagh, male (54) from Basantbagh, male (38) from Qamarwari, two males (11, 40) from Shalteng, male (15) from Alochibagh, male (32) from Dalgate, male (50) from Batamaloo, two males (27, 32) from Nowgam, female (13) from Tulsi Bagh, two males (42, 30) from District Court, male (78) from Noorbagh, male (45) from Habak, male (28) from Saderbal, male (33) from Ahmadnagar, male (27) and female (55) from Elahibagh, female (65) from Naseembagh, female (60) from Dargah, male (40) from Nowbugh Alestang, male (60) from Naseembagh, female (24) from Malbagh, female (55) from Kanitar, male (32) and two females (18, 41) from Nishat, female (48) and male (46) from Harwan, male (40) from Brein, ten males (51, 57, 45, 31, 22, 21, 17, 15, 12, 19) from Kashmir University, male (45) from GGMS, female (38) from Peerbagh, female (27) from Nowpora, female (42) from Rajbagh, female (40) from Nowhatta, male (51) from Sonwar, female (25) from Hajan, female (68) from Gundboon, female (30) from Ward 4 Bpr, female (50) from Eidgah, male (47) from Chattabal, female (58) from Sanatnagar, two males (35, 54) and two females (38, 48) from Zaban Yaripora, male (20) from Zaldagar, male (27) from Baramulla, female (60) from Khomina, male (60) from Ganastan, two females (50, 60) from Inderkote, male (43) from Naidkhai, male (45) from Batmaloo Srg, female (72) from Shivpora Srg, female (40) from Lal Bazar, male (37) from Srinagar.
The GMC Anantnag cases include male (66) from Nowathoo, female (35) from Kadipora, female (50) from Monghall, male (55) from Mir Danter, female (43) from Iqbalabad, male (30) from Beighpora, male (30) from Ganoora, male (36) from Sarnal Bala, male (35) from Mattan, female (75) from New Qazibagh, male (20) from Qazibagh, female (23) from Batengoo, male (11) from Iqbalabad, female (23) from Bijbehara, female (22) from Housing Colony Khanabal, male (32) from S k Colony, male (32) from Bul Bul Nowgam, female (35) from Iqbalabad, male (60) from SK Colony, female (60) from Mah, male (34) from Bijbhera, male (55) from Qazibagh, two females (64, 14) from Iqbalabad, male (11) from Furrah, male (22) from Sarnal Bala, male (50) from Hanji Danter, male (70) from Hazratbal Payeen, male (40) from Janglat Mandi, male (30) from Akad Pahalgam, male (35) from Devsar, female (80) from Dalwash, male (31) from Nawoth Danter, male (50) and female (25) from Redwani, male (55) from Pahalgam, male (50) from Mattan, female (38) from GMC Anantnag, female (50) from Bus Stand, female (16) from Danter, male (38) from Kulgam, male (22) from Batengoo, male (27) from Seer, male (26) from Khanabal, male (55) from New Qazibagh, female (48) from Sarnal, male (36) from Sarnal Bala, female (65) from SK Colony, male (32) from Hazratbal, female (45) from Kadipora, female (50) and male (50) from Sarnal Bala, male (42) from Dogripora, male (48) from Mir Bazar, female (38) from Anantnag, male (47) from Balapora, male (30) from Rawalpora, male (40) from Wpora, male (32) from Shopian, male (28) from Devpora, male (27) from T Wangam, male (55) from Aripora, male (52) from Safanagar, male (80) from Babapora, female (28) from Aglar, male (60) from Hillow, female (48) from Zainapora, female (25) from Darbagh, female (60) from Safanagri, male (28) from Tantraypora, female (41) from Saidpora, male (14) from Kilam, male (16) and female (30) from Mir Bazar, male (32) from Buchroo, male (32) from Moominabad Ang, female (27) from Sarnal Ang, male (55) from Mir Danter, two females(08, 40) from ABC Ang, two females (14, 28) from Ashajipora, two females (50, 26) from New Qazibagh Ang, male (45) from Monghall, male (41) from Zadipora, male (21) from Ashajipora, male (35) from Sirhama Ang, male (45) from Larkipora, two males (30, 30) from Dailgam Ang, three females (17, 58, 55) from Uranhall, male (42) from Nanil Ang, male (48) from Vailoo, male (24) from Janglat Mandi, two males (31, 27) and two three females (62, 24, 65) from New Qazibagh Ang, female (48) from Khudwani, male (26) from Batkoot, male (32) from Bijbehara, male (28) from Kadipora, male (55) from Kaprin, two males (24, 20) from Anantnag, two males (50, 30) from Sarnal, female (34) from Qazigund Ang, male (24) from Yaripora, female (65) from Bogund, female (55) from Danew, male (12) from Matalhama, two females (32, 34) from Bogund, two females (50, 02) from N Marg, two males (24, 48) from N D Marg, male (30) from Khull, male (32) from Lethpora, male (30) from Kupwara, two males (30, 40) from Tulbagh Pampore, male (34) from Kadalbal Pampore, male (42) from Sonumulla, male (28) from Laisoo, male (65) and female (38) from Yardikha, two males (40, 22) from K Bal, male (23) from Valley Fresh Sidco, three males (17, 28, 21) from Qadri Group Of Industries, male (44) from Frasipora, female (65) from Chandgam Pul, two males (43, 08) from Rajpora Pulwama.
Moreover, they said, 1457 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—656 from Jammu Division and 801 from Kashmir Valley. There are 22283 active positive cases in J&K, 8847 in Jammu and 13436 in the Valley. (GNS)
COVID-19 kills 25 more in J&K, record 3164 test positive
‘Keep hospitals open for critical Covid patients’
By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: As the second wave of COVID-19 is raging, fear and panic have gripped entire Kashmir.
People have started wearing double masks and are trying to follow the other Covid sops to save themselves from getting infected. But the infections are rising at a rapid pace.
According to the reports pouring from different districts, people who are getting infected prefer to stay in isolation within their homes rather than visiting the hospitals. “People who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms are being advised to stay at home. We have to keep hospitals open for critical patients as they are the ones who need oxygen support,” said a doctor.
He said, “Mortality rate has increased due to the second wave being very severe. Many patients who reach the hospital on time and get the needed treatment are able to fight the Covid in a better way, but the ones who don’t reach the hospitals on time are losing the battle. The positive patients, who are under home isolation need to monitor their oxygen saturation level regularly. If it remains above 90, then they need not worry but if it falls, they need to rush to a hospital.”
President of Doctors Association Kashmir and flu expert, Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan said that shifting critically-ill patients from various hospitals to COVID-19 designated hospitals is also contributing to increased mortality. “Shifting them to dedicated hospitals is leading to interruption and delay in treatment,” he said. “We need to revisit the existing protocols for shifting critically-ill patients, who test positive for Covid at different hospitals,” he added.
Another medico said, “Treating critically ill patients is emerging as a big challenge. By the time they arrive in the health facilities, they are in a bad shape. Every home needs to keep an oxy-meter as it will help everyone to check the saturation level.”
He said, “Situation is grim but it can be controlled. From May 1, every adult will be eligible for the COVID-19 jab. People should come forward and get vaccinated. They should not pay any heed to the misinformation campaign. The Covid jab is one the potent tools required to fight the pandemic.”
He said that when inoculation drive started in United States and United Kingdom miscreants spread lot of misinformation but people in these countries cooperated with their governments and today situation is under control in the western countries.
Govt to install CCTVs, night vision cameras around Dal peripheries to check illegal constructions
By: Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar: In a move to keep check on illegal constructions in and around Dal lake, the administration has directed the Lakes & Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) to install CCTVs with night vision cameras in the peripheries of the waterbody.
A record note of a meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole on 19th of this month reveals that LAWDA was directed to install CCTVs with night vision cameras to completely check illegal constructions in the prohibited area around the lake.
The meeting was called by the authorities after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court directed the Vice-Chairman Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) to draw a complete scheme for the management and development of Dal as well as the area around it in co-association with various departments.
It is worthwhile to mention that there is a complete ban on any kind of construction in peripheries of the water body.
The Divisional Commissioner, according to the record note, also directed the Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar to give full support to the enforcement wing of LAWDA .
In the last hearing, the HC court emphasized that in line with its earlier orders, no construction activities in the Dal or its prohibited area should be permitted and steps would be taken for the removal of all the encroachments.
The world famous lake has shrunk to less than half its original size due to encroachments and illegal constructions.
The lake has shrunk from its original area of 22 square kilometers to about 10 square kilometers, according to an assessment by the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) in 2017.
The DCI assessment also found that intense pollution by untreated sewage and solid wastes that flow into the lake, encroachments of water channels and clogging has diminished the circulation and inflows into the lake, leading to extensive growth of the weed water hyacinth which has emerged as a health hazard.
India sees 3,23,144 new cases, over 2771 deaths
New Delhi: India registered 3,23,144 fresh cases of COVID-19, taking the country’s COVID-19 tally to 1,76,36,307, according to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday morning.
Besides, the country also saw 2771 fatalities in the past 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 1,97,894.
On Monday, the country reported 3,52,991 cases and 2812 casualties, which was the highest single-day spike in terms of cases and deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Admin imposes Section 144 in Srinagar
Srinagar: Amid spurt in number of COVID-19 cases, district administration Srinagar on Tuesday ordered imposition of Section 144 CrPC, banning the assembly of five or more persons, in the summer capital with immediate effect.
“In view of massive spurt in positive cases in District Srinagar & after due deliberations, Section 144 CrPc is imposed hereby within the Municipal limits of the district to contain further spread of the epidemic,” said Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, in a tweet. “Assembly of five or more persons is banned with immediate effect,” he added.
Srinagar reported 1144 fresh covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Health department Data. With these fresh cases, including 27 travelers, the total number of cases mounted to 40538 in the summer capital.
Former Chief Minister of J&K and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said that all the precautions that can be done need to be taken to check the spread of the virus.
“1144 cases in Srinagar District alone. That’s a third of all the cases in J&K. The health system is already strained & we need to help by taking all the precautions we can to check the spread of this virus,” Omar tweeted.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Tuesday various Covid Care Isolation Centers established in Srinagar to oversee the arrangements put in place for Covid-19 patients to be kept there for isolation to prevent spread of infection.
During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner was informed that a total of seven Covid Care Centers have been established at Kashmir University Zakura Campus, Hyderpora, NIT Srinagar, Indoor Stadium Srinagar, Marriage Hall Sanatnagar, Haj House Bemina and IMPA Hostel MA Road and around 1300 beds have been made available in these Centers.
He was apprised that around 1300 additional beds have been set up at Covid Care Isolation Centers in Srinagar to meet out any emergent situation. While giving details the DC was informed that 325 beds have been set up at Kashmir University Zakura Campus, 300 beds at Hyderpora and 295 at NIT Srinagar. Similarly, 120 beds have been kept available at Indoor Stadium Srinagar and 100 beds at Marriage Hall Sanatnagar while 125 beds have been kept ready at Haj House Bemina and 80 at IMPA Hostel MA Road. Besides bedding, Covid-19 kits and other necessary items have been kept available with each bed. (GNS)
LG’s Principal Secy chairs meeting of all DCs
Reviews preparedness for addressing emerging Covid-19 situation
JAMMU: In view of the emerging Covid-19 situation in J&K, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Nitishwar Kumar today chaired a meeting of all Deputy Commissioners through virtual mode and reviewed the mechanism put in place in the Districts for addressing the situation.
During the meeting, the Principal Secretary sought the latest status from the concerned Deputy Commissioners regarding the installation of Oxygen Generation Plants across the UT and passed strict directions for installation of the same in the shortest possible time, wherever pending.
He also took stock of the number of beds available in Covid Health Centres, Covid Care Centres and Hospitals in each District and directed them to augment the same.
Emphasizing on developing quick response system in all Districts, the Principal Secretary enquired about functioning of Covid Control Rooms, besides execution of incoming calls and handling of Covid related queries.
The Deputy Commissioners apprised the Principal Secretary about the status of installation of Oxygen Generation Plants. It was informed that civil works for most of the plants have been completed and the same would be made functional at the earliest besides, test run in some of the installed oxygen generation plants are also being done after which they will be made functional to their designated capacity.
It was further informed that the Covid Control Rooms are operating 24×7 helplines for providing necessary assistance to public and keeping a check on people in Home isolation in all the Districts of the UT.
While directing to ensure speedy installation of oxygen plants in the hospitals, the Principal Secretary asked the Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor the works and use the option of employing multiple teams and night shifts wherever necessary.
The Principal Secretary asked the Divisional Commissioners to closely monitor the overall situation and ensure the provision of logistics and equipment required at the District hospitals in both regions.
He also instructed the Divisional Commissioners to keep a strict check on the black marketing of oxygen cylinders and deploy Magistrates and concerned staff to cross check the supply of oxygen cylinders reaching their destinations from the source industrial plants.
The Principal Secretary, while seeking the details of bed capacity in different government hospitals across the UT, directed the Deputy Commissioners to ramp up the numbers of beds with oxygen support system.
The Principal Secretary further issued directions to all Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict adherence to Covid SOPs and enforcement of ceiling on the number of people allowed in congregations and functions in their respective districts. He advised them to ensure that people provide a prior intimation of the functions to the respective Tehsildars and receive a receipt of the same.
Keeping in view the surge in the Covid cases, directions were also passed to declare new micro containment zones for mitigating the spread of corona virus.
Develop a suitable mechanism by monitoring situations in the district hospitals and use an effective referral policy so as to avoid the possibility of sudden load of Covid cases in Level 1 tertiary care Covid Hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar, the Principal Secretary advised the Deputy Commissioners.
The Principal Secretary asked the Deputy Commissioner to take onboard the religious leaders in their districts in motivating people to adopt covid appropriate behaviour and minimize public gatherings.
He also directed the Deputy Commissioners for intensifying the vaccination drive in the age-appropriate categories and to deploy robust testing and contact tracing methods for mitigating the spread of the deadly virus.
Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir Divisions, besides Superintendent Engineers of concerned departments were also present during the meeting.
Hospitalisation delay pushing up Covid deaths in Kashmir: DAK
Srinagar: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday said delay in reporting to hospitals is the main reason for increase in number of deaths due to Covid-19 in the valley.
“Covid-19 patients arrive at hospitals only when their condition worsens,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
He said early medical intervention is key to reduce Covid deaths. However, he said patients come to hospitals when their lungs are largely affected which decreases their chances of survival.
Dr Hassan said many of them reach hospitals when Covid-19 is already at an advanced stage.
“We receive patients with critically low oxygen saturation levels as low as 50-60 percent,” he said in a statement to GNS.
Dr Hassan said many patients have bought oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators and use them at home to ease symptoms and report to hospitals only when their condition deteriorates.
“This delay in reporting to hospitals is proving fatal and is contributing to the high mortality among Covid-19 patients,” he said.
“One big problem with Covid is silent hypoxia, a condition in which patients have extremely low blood oxygen levels, yet do not show signs of difficulty in breathing,” Dr Nisar said.
He said despite Covid pneumonia patients have remarkably low oxygen saturation, they are alert, talking normally and walking around.
“And by the time they feel trouble breathing and reach out for help they are already dangerously sick and need to be put on ventilators and most of them die,” said Dr Nisar.
“Further, ICU beds in hospitals are full. As a result of which, a patient whose condition has already deteriorated has to wait in a ward for a longer duration which increases complexities,” he said
The DAK president said shifting critically-ill patients who are on life-support from various hospitals to Covid-19 designated hospitals is also contributing to increased mortality.
“Shifting them to dedicated hospitals is leading to interruption and delay in treatment,” he said, adding most of these Covid death cases have underlying medical conditions which is liable to get neglected in Covid centers for want of specialists and equipment.
“We need to revisit the existing protocols for shifting critically-ill patients, who test positive for Covid-19 at different hospitals,” he added.
Govt orders teaching, non-teaching staff to work from home
By: Bhat Imran
Srinagar: The government on Tuesday said that teaching and non-teaching staff was not required for any educational establishment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials of the State Executive Committee informed KNO that the teaching and non-teaching staff of all Schools, Colleges, Technical education and Skill development institutes was not required in-person.”
The official said that the staff shall work from home and the decision was taken in view of surge in COVID-19 cases across Jammu and Kashmir.
DC Srinagar visits Covid care isolation centers
Appeals people to get vaccinated, follow sops
Srinagar: Amid surge in Covid-19 cases and to tackle any exigency in Srinagar, the Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Tuesday visited various Covid Care Isolation Centers established in Srinagar to oversee the arrangements put in place for Covid-19 patients to be kept there for isolation to prevent spread of infection.
The Deputy Commissioner accompanied by SSP Srinagar, Mr. Sandeep Chowdhary, Commissioner, SMC, Mr. Amir Athar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Hanief Balkhi, CMO Srinagar and other senior officers visited Covid Care Centers set up at Indoor Stadium, Maternity Hospital Sanat Nagar, Marriage Hall Sanat Nagar and Haj House Bemina and took stock of the arrangements made for suspected Covid-19 patients.
During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner was informed that a total of seven Covid Care Centers have been established at Kashmir University Zakura Campus, Hyderpora, NIT Srinagar, Indoor Stadium Srinagar, Marriage Hall Sanatnagar, Haj House Bemina and IMPA Hostel MA Road and around 1300 beds have been made available in these Centers.
He was apprised that around 1300 additional beds have been set up at Covid Care Isolation Centers in Srinagar to meet out any emergent situation. While giving details the DC was informed that 325 beds have been set up at Kashmir University Zakura Campus, 300 beds at Hyderpora and 295 at NIT Srinagar. Similarly, 120 beds have been kept available at Indoor Stadium Srinagar and 100 beds at Marriage Hall Sanatnagar while 125 beds have been kept ready at Haj House Bemina and 80 at IMPA Hostel MA Road. Besides bedding, Covid-19 kits and other necessary items have been kept available with each bed.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed the concerned to ensure sufficient supply of Medical Oxygen, essential medicines and other necessary requirements at all Covid Care Centers so that patients and medical staff do not face any difficulty in the time of need. He was also directed for making adequate arrangements of washrooms.
The Deputy Commissioner asked the concerned authorities to keep men and machinery ready for maintaining cleanliness in and around these Centers besides sanitization process. He directed the PDD and PHE authorities to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply to these centers.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner has appealed to the people of Srinagar to strictly adhere to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. He also asked people to restrict their moment particularly in designated covid containment zones to control the spread of coronavirus. He also urged every eligible person to take the Covid-19 vaccine.
SC cannot remain mute spectator over Covid crisis’
‘SC cannot remain mute spectator over Covid crisis’
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it cannot be a mute spectator to the ongoing Covid crisis and its intervention should be taken into correct perspective.
The Apex Court last week took the suo moto cognizance of the Covid crisis. Several people alleged that the Top Court is interfering in the matters of High Courts as the latter was also hearing cases related to the pandemic.
“At a time of national crisis, the Supreme Court cannot be a mute spectator”, a bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud, L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat stated.
The Apex Court said the objective of the suo moto case was not to supplant the High Courts or to take over what they are doing. “The role of the Supreme Court is complementary in nature. The issues which travail state boundaries is what this court will look into and thus Article 32 jurisdiction has been assumed”, said the bench as quoted by LiveLaw.
“High Courts are best situated to make an assessment of ground realities in each state and find flexible solutions for the problems faced by citizens. Therefore, we see no reason or justification to interdict the High Courts.” the Bench said.
The court further said that there is still a need for the Supreme Court to intervene on certain national issues, as there might be issues relating to coordination between states.
At least 11 High Courts in the country are dealing with issues related to COVID management in their respective jurisdiction.
The bench asked for a report from the Central Government on issues related to the supply of oxygen, essential drugs and vaccine pricing and fixed the next hearing on April 30, Friday.
