"Don't Create Publicity Interest Litigations" SC In Plea Seeking Free Treatment For COVID19 Patients

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took up a plea in an application seeking free treatment of Coronavirus infected patients.

A bench comprising Justices NV Ramana, Sanjay Kishan Kaul & BR Gavai made strong observations against the plea filed on behalf of Amit Dwivedi.

Bench noted that the petition was nothing but a publicity stunt and strongly remarked that such petitions must not be filed.

"Government has to decided on who to give free treatment. We don't have any funds with us. I think this case should close. No need to raise any litigation like this. Government Hospital treatment is free. No need to create Public Interest Litigations" remarked Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul.

Earlier last week, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking nationalization of the healthcare sector and related services till the COVID-19 pandemic is contained was rejected by Supreme Court.

The plea before the Apex Court today was an offshoot of this earlier petition filed by Amit Dwivedi.

"This is not a decision the Court can ask the government to take. We cannot order nationalisation of hospitals. The government has already taken over some hospitals",  Bench comprising of Justices Ashok Bhushan and Ravindra Bhat had noted on April 13, while hearing the main petition.

Justice Bhushan had further alluded to this prayer, of nationalization of the healthcare sector, as 'misconceived' while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had urged for this petition, filed by Advocate Amit Dwivedi, to be dismissed.