Uttaranchal High Court: A Division Bench of Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ravindra Maithani, JJ., directed the State Government to file a report regarding COVID-19 virus testing facilities and regarding proper establishment of quarantine centres.
The reports were filed in the Court with regard to the quarantine centers at village level which were pathetic in Court’s opinion.
The reason for the pathetic condition was that the Gram Pradhans had absolutely no fund to run these quarantine centers.
Secretary, Health Government of Uttarakhand was in view of the above directed to file a detailed report about the conditions of quarantine centers and whether appropriate funds have been received by them.
Yet, no affidavit has been filed before the Court as to why the Government has failed to run these basic level quarantine centers in the State.
Testing for Corona Virus
For the stated, Court was informed that the number of tests which are being done in the State at various districts are extremely low considering the number of positive cases which have come up in Uttarakhand and also as compared to the average national standard.
Bench on consideration of the facts and circumstances stated that,
“These are strange and difficult times.”
Court is conscious of the challenges before the Government, which are immense in this crisis. Yet all that was asked was for a report.
Court has been assured by the Advocate general for the State that it would bring on record regarding the testing facility and as regarding the proper establishment of quarantine centers in the State by 22-06-2020.
Court thus made it clear that a report needs to be filed by the Secretary, Health, Government of Uttarakhand.
Matter to be listed on 23-06-2020.[Sachdanand Dabral v. UOI, 2020 SCC OnLine Utt 278 , decided on 17-06-2020]