[COVID-19] Duty Of Press Is To Play Positive Role In Bringing Awareness Amongst People About Their Social Responsibilities: Tripura HC [Read Order]

The Bench of Chief Justice Akil Kureshi and Justice S. Talapatra further observed,

"The press has undoubtedly a very important and at times onerous duty to publish news which may also be sometimes critical of the administration. The press also has a public duty to carry a correct message and play a positive role in bringing awareness amongst the people about their social responsibilities." (emphasis supplied)

Notably, the Court was hearing a Public Interest Petition, which was instituted suo motu to examine the situation of the prevalence and handling of Coronavirus in the State.

The genesis of this litigation was certain newspaper reports suggesting shortcomings in the treatment of patients at the lone COVID hospital in the State and in certain other areas.

In the detailed orders passed by the Court on 18.09.2020, 28.09.2020 and 06.10.2020, the Court's whole purpose was to examine the correctness of some of the complaints received, with a focus on improving the COVID handling in the State in general and in the COVID hospital in particular so that the public confidence in the dispensation of health treatment by the administration improves.

"We must realize that unless and until the medical fraternity finds a permanent solution or cure, continues vigil and precaution by the administration as well as the people can only be our shield against further spread of the virus."

Court's Order related to Durga Puja

The Court took into account the fact that the State administration has already issued directives and guidelines for conduct of Durga Puja at public places. However, the Court was of the view that mere issuance of the guidelines can hardly be sufficient.

In this context, the Court remarked,

"What we would impress upon the administration is to consider launching a campaign of awareness amongst the organizers of such puja gatherings, as well as the people. This could also include a constant dialogue with the principal stakeholders such as the clubs and pandal organizers, leading members of the communities and general public at large. Constant vigil by the administration during puja days to ensure that the directives and guidelines are properly followed should also be thought about. We would request the Government to consider these aspects."

Further, in the affidavit dated 12th October, 2020, various details were provided to the Court by the State regarding the action taken on those issues which the Court had highlighted in its order dated 06.10.2020.

The Court noticed that in the key areas, the administration had made a fair progress and seems to have taken appropriate steps. The Court further advised that measures may be taken promptly if not already taken to ensure that proper protective gears are worn by the staff attending the COVID patients in the various hospitals.

Lastly, the Court asked the Government to create a dedicated e-mail address where any complaint with respect to Coronavirus handling at any of the Government hospitals or centres or any such similar complaint can be made directly by the citizens.

The Court said,

"Any person sending a mail on this address would be expected to reveal his identity and address. This centralized system would enable the Government to receive suggestions on any shortcomings that may have been noticed and take such measures as found appropriate."

The matter has now been listed for further hearing on 7^th December, 2020.