New Delhi: The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing of a PIL which had sought imposition of Financial Emergency in the country under Article 360 as the lockdown order under the Disaster Management Act 2005, was not sufficient. The court remarked that "such a petition can not be heard in today's situation".
The PIL was filed by a think tank called Centre for Accountability and Systematic Change. Citing the grounds for the petition CASC said: "This is the biggest emergency in independent India and it must be addressed as per Constitutional provisions through unified command between Central and state governments. This will be required not only to defeat the war against coronavirus but also in the recovery of the Indian economy after lockdown is over."
Further explaining the need, the think tank said that even after the PM announced 21 days of lockdown and the Home Ministry issued orders for the same on 24th march, different state and police authorities are taking action as per the section 144 where a gathering of more than 4 people is prohibited.
"Divergence of steps taken by different authorities are causing confusion and lawlessness in no way can be a solution to a problem as grave as COVID-19," said the petition.
It also sought directions to the state police and local authorities to strictly comply with the Home Ministry's instructions so that essential services are not disrupted.
The matter was heard for a brief period of 4 minutes and was adjourned to be heard after 2 weeks.
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