"Make Provisions For Doing Atleast 1 Lakh RTPCR Testing Everyday, Regulate Quantity And Ban Sale Of Faulty N95 Masks": Plea In Delhi High Court

A public interest litigation has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions on Union of India and GNCTD to make provisions for doing atleast 1 lakh RTPCR testing everyday and also to explore the possibility of information sharing on import of "at home Self Testing kits" from countries where they are already in use.

The plea filed by a lawyer namely Shweta Singh also prays for direction to regulate the sale and quantity of N95 Masks and a ban on sale of masks that are faulty and fake. The plea also seeks direction on the State to prioritise citizens who have not been found covid positive in the past four months in the third phase of vaccination.

Highlighting that countries like USA, UK and Canada have already been using at home Self Testing kits, the plea also focuses on the issue of fake masks being sold on open market which are the "sole weapon to shield from any potential infection".

"It is submitted that while the reasons for the decrease in testing could be attributable to several factors however it was both the duty of State Governmetn as well as Union of India to ensure that they could save the NCR region from such gross error and which has only further complicated the already existing sad state of affairs. It is submitted that in moments of crisis that engulfs the Country as a whole the political and geographical demarcations cannot take precedence over human life and as a citizen of India who has choosen their elected representatives every single individual of the country not only has the right to access of medical facilities but also has the right of transparent declaration of the gravity of the crisis in the State." The plea reads.

Arguing that chaotic situation of oxygen cylinders and essential medicines is a result of inefficient handling of the government, the plea states the following prayers:

- Directing Respondent No. I and 2 to make provisions for atleast 1 lakh RTPCR testing everyday.

- Direct the Government to explore the possibility of development/knowledge sharing and information on import of at home self testing kits from Countries where such kits are already in use.

- Issue directions to the State that in the third phase of Covid-19 vaccination the priority should be given to citizens who on the date of application had not tested positive for Covid-19-19 in the past four months.

- Issue directions to the the Respondent No.l and 2 to regulate the sale and quality of N95 masks completely banning any sale of faulty and fake masks. This Hon'ble Court may further direct the Respondents to make double masking or use of N95 in all public places a mandatory requirement.

- Issue directions to the State to constitute a webpage or a website on an urgent basis through which people of Delhi can easily access all relevant information with respect to Covid-19 related essential medicines, oxygen suppliers etc.