‘COVID-19 Situation Has Worsened in Delhi, Gujarat,’ SC Asks States to File Reports

The bench said that all attempts shall be made by the Centre and the states to mitigate the situation and to deal with the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and all states to file within two days status reports detailing steps taken to deal with the current COVID-19 situation, noting that the pandemic has worsened in places like Delhi and Gujarat.

According to LiveLaw, a bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R. Subhash Reddy and M.R. Shah asked the states of Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Assam to file reports. 

“Things have worsened in Delhi especially in November. You file a status report on what steps have been taken,” the bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan told Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, who was appearing for the Delhi government.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the Centre had taken measures to improve the situation in Delhi.

The court also said that circumstances are going out of control in Gujarat, slamming the state government’s approval to conduct weddings and processions there.

The bench said that all attempts shall be made by the Centre and the states to mitigate the situation to deal with the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

The respective counsel representing states assured the apex court that affidavits will be filed in this regard.

The top court, which was hearing a matter in which it had taken cognisance regarding proper treatment of COVID-19 patients and dignified handling of bodies in hospitals, has posted the matter for hearing on November 27.

On July 2, 2020, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to submit a fresh affidavit within two weeks to present the steps taken in pursuance of the directions which was issued by the Supreme Court on June 19.

The court had then observed that the Centre did not provide details of compliance concerning the directions which was passed on June 19.

(With inputs from PTI)