Hoping That Union & State Would Take Appropriate Measure To Prepare For Next Wave: Madras High Court Closes Suo Moto COVID Case

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy noted that all counts, the second surge appears to have subsided, though there is an apprehension of even a third surge.

The Court also observed that there is no scientific basis, as of now, to expect or apprehend a third surge and even less scientific basis to fear that the third wave may attack children more.

However, the Court, as a matter of caution, quoted some reports in such regard and said:

"It is best that the facilities developed on an emergency basis to deal with the second surge are not dismantled immediately, so that in the event there is a third surge within the next four to six months, the same may be tackled with adequate facilities at hand."

The Court also observed that the supplies of oxygen had been augmented all round and the ability to produce oxygen should be retained in excess of what is the usual norm and close to what may have been the peak demand during the second surge.

"It is hoped that the supply of vaccines is increased, so that the vaccination of the entire eligible population is completed earlier than previously envisaged," added the Court.

Further, the court took into account the following points:

• Awareness drives have been undertaken, both in the print and the electronic media, to ensure that the superstitions and the grandmother's tales pertaining to the side effects of vaccine do not deter people from coming forward and being inoculated.
• There also appears to be a drive in the State to inoculate the tribals and tea garden workers, along with other frontline workers.
• Vaccination drives had been undertaken in the High Court complex in the city and in some of the District Court complexes.
• Because of the fewer number of visitors, the vaccination camp started at the High Court has been temporarily closed from today, though vaccination drives will be carried out at some of the District Court complexes where vaccination has not taken place to a large extent till date.

Importantly, the Court said:

"It was the endeavor of the Court to monitor several aspects during the peak of the second surge and the suo motu proceedings appear to have at least provided a platform for the Central and State Governments to come together and ensure supplies of drugs, oxygen and other essentials to the State and the Union Territory."

"It was never the intention of the Court to take over administration, the exercise was only meant to be supervisory at a time when the pandemic raged at an alarming level," added the Court.

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order