SC seeks “National Plan” on COVID-19 Management From Centre

Delhi, April 22 – Taking a suo motu cognisance of the present Covid-19 situation in the country, the Supreme Court on today asked the Centre to present a “national plan” on the management of pandemic that would include the oxygen supply, essential drugs and method of vaccination.

“We want to see the national plan on this issue in regard to the four issues of supply of oxygen, supply of essential drugs, method and manner of vaccination and we want to keep the power to declare lockout with the states,” said Chief Justice of India SA Bobde. The apex court will take up the matter for hearing again on Friday.

“We as a court wish to take suo motu cognisance of certain issues. We find that there are 6 High Courts -Delhi, Bombay, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Calcutta and Allahabad. They are exercising jurisdiction in their best interest. We appreciate that but it is creating confusion and diversion of resources,” the CJI said.

The Supreme Court stepped into the case the day India reported the world’s highest single-daily spike in infection with over 3,14,835 cases and over 2,104 deaths.