SC to address Allahabad HC order on community services

Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, had sought permission before the Supreme Court and the court agreed to hear the matter challenging the Allahabad High Court order which had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider getting community service from people violating social distancing norms and not wearing masks in public places.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a matter challenging the Allahabad High Court order which had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider getting community service from people violating the social distancing norms and not wearing masks in the public places.

Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, had sought permission before the court today which the court allowed. The top court had stayed similar Gujarat High Court order earlier observing that it was not feasible.

The bench comprising of Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice MR Shah were hearing a matter on the proper treatment of covid 19 patients and dignified handling of dead bodies in hospitals.

Judges pointed out today that doctors are working without any break and they must get a break after continuous service. SG assured the court that the government will consider it.

Along with it matter pertaining to Rajkot fire incident was also tagged wherein the court had asked all the states to file an affidavit on fire safety measures in covid hospitals.

Court lashed out today saying that none of the states has stated the number of covid hospitals and whether any protocol is being followed. Some states had given data from 2016.

In Gujrat 328 fire safety officers have been appointed as designated officers. Justice MR Shah read from the affidavit of Gujrat and said that out 214 hospitals, 61 have no NOC and questioned about the safety of patients in those hospitals. He said that they are not asking the hospitals to be shut down but measures need to be taken.

Justice Shah also remarked that no one is wearing masks and marriages are being conducted on large scale. SG Mehta told the court that 80-90 crores has been collected by Gujrat as fine. On the suggestion of covid 19 protocols in election rallies, Mehta said that it can be made to the Election Commission of India.

The matter will be heard again on December 18 wherein the court will pass orders.