'Virus Is Going To Stay For Long. What Is Your Plan For Future?' : Allahabad High Court Asks UP Govt
The Allahabad High Court on Thursday asked the UP Government to come up with a road map for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, which it anticipated is going to "stay for a long time". "We want to know the status regarding action you have taken up till now to meet the challenge of this pandemic. It appears that this virus is going to stay with us for long. What is your plan for...
The Allahabad High Court on Thursday asked the UP Government to come up with a road map for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, which it anticipated is going to "stay for a long time".
"We want to know the status regarding action you have taken up till now to meet the challenge of this pandemic. It appears that this virus is going to stay with us for long. What is your plan for the future, unseen challenges?" a Bench led by the newly appointed Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, Justice Sanjay Yadav asked AAG Manish Goyal, appearing for the State.
The Bench, also comprising of Justice Prakash Padia, made it clear that it will not take adversarial view in a public interest matter and is inclined to grant more time to the State to come with an action plan.
"State is doing its duty. We cannot interfere in policy matters. There is no timeline which can be fixed for the state. Is there any timeline for the virus?" the Chief Justice remarked when intervenors in the matter sought time bound directions.
The Bench also observed that citizens are not adhering to Covid-19 protocol and are often found violating the social distancing rules, masking norms, etc.
It added that when action is taken against such erring people by the local Police, there is unnecessary hue-cry on social media.
"When the Police takes action, it becomes a subject on your social media and it is criticized like anything," Chief Justice Yadav orally remarked.
On issue of flouting Covid norms, one Advocate points out that Police has failed to check the situation.
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) June 17, 2021
CJ Yadav: When the Police takes action it becomes a subject on your social media and it is criticized like anything.#allahabadhighcourt #COVID19
During the hearing, AAG Goyal placed on record an affidavit dated on June 7, filed pursuant to May 27 order of the High Court seeking plan for upgradation of facilities in 5 districts of Bhadohi, Gazipur, Ballia, Deoria and Shamli.
"What was the occasion that report is filed only in respect of 5 districts? Why not for entire state of UP? Was the effect of pandemic more in these 5 districts?" the Chief Justice asked.
He stated that the effect of Covid-19 is more in larger cities and the State Government should therefore file a collated and consolidated affidavit regarding steps taken for the entire state of UP, including the vaccination drive.
The Bench asked the State to make sure that whatever material is filed before it does not remain on paper and is strictly implemented at grass roots.
So far as an intervention seeking door-to-door/ near-to-door vaccination for immobile/ old persons is concerned, the Division Bench refused to consider Bombay High Court's decision as a precedent.
"Bombay High Court decision cannot be a precedent here. The situation in UP and Maharashtra is very different. Do you know what is the percentage of deaths in these two states? If you are not aware then you cannot comment and compare," the Chief Justice told the intervenor.
Accordingly, the UP Government has been directed to file an affidavit apprising the present status of pandemic and future steps to curtail its effect.
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