Punjab and Haryana High Court Directs DLSA Secretaries To Be Part Of Nodal Agencies For Speedy Action On COVID Related Grievances

In the final orders passed by Bench, it has been directed that Secretaries, Legal Services Authority in every District would be member of Committee/Nodal Agencies comprising of Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Representative of Municipal Counsel/Corporation and Civil Surgeon formed for disposal of complaints arising of Covid situation. The Bench while passing the order directed that meeting of the Committee shall be held on daily basis by way of electronic means, if necessary. It has been directed by the Bench that as and when a call is received on the helpline number of by any of the Members of Committee, prompt response be given by the Administration.

Additional Advocate General, Punjab submitted that State has no objection to the formation of a committee on the similar lines and assigning a particular number in every District to consider the grievances of the public. He, however, submits that a designated helpline number 104 has already been assigned which entertains all types of grievances of the public.

Standing Counsel for UT, Chandigarh submitted that in UT a war room is already in operation which is considering the complaints of the people. A dedicated phone number is also functional.

It was further brought to the notice of the Bench that certain private hospitals are charging exorbitant fee and are fleecing the public. This is happening due to lack of control by the authorities. Accordingly, all the 3 States have given assurance that such grievance would be promptly looked into and punitive measures shall be taken against such private hospital and medical institutions, if the situation so warrants.

It has been further assured by all the three States that complaints/grievances will be promptly redressed in case a call is received on the designated helpline number. That apart, more personnel shall be deputed to attend such calls and PCRs/Beats in the nearby vicinity shall be activated. States have also assured that wide publicity of the designated helpline numbers will be done on the electronic and print media in order to make the public aware of the help available at hand to instill confidence in public in the current pandemic situation.

The Bench has also directed the States to depute officials of the municipal bodies/health authorities to ensure that mask etiquettes are followed by general public. Heads of the public as well as private institutions would sensitize the employees to wear masks in appropriate manner. It has been directed by the bench to take punitive action against the persons who wear the masks casually leaving their mouth and/or nose exposed and treat such persons on the same footing as those not wearing the mask at all.

The Bench disposed off the petition on the basis of the assurance given be all the three States with liberty to the amicus curiae to seek revival of the petition, if necessary. States have been directed to file a status report regarding day to day developments in every District by way of a short affidavit in the Registry within a week.