Deepali Kalia-
A Full Bench consisting of Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, Justices Manash Ranjan Pathak and N. Kotiswar Singh of Gauhati High Court took Suo-moto cognizance of the COVID-19 second wave in States.
The Bench observed that the COVID-19 positivity rate was alarmingly high in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.
The Bench took cognizance while hearing the Suo-moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that had been instituted by the Court due to the daily surge in COVID-19 cases.
“We take Suo-moto notice of the alarming situation of COVID-19 pandemic, which is in its second wave, in the States of Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, where the positivity rate is extremely high”, the Bench stated.
It was directed by the Bench that the Advocate Generals of the three States be present before it on the next date of hearing.
Also Read: SC Rejects Maharashtra plea against order quashing capping treatment cost of Non-Covid Patients
“The Court will require their assistance in getting the true picture in their respective States in the present Covid-19 pandemic and the measures being taken by the respective State Governments to handle the crisis”, the Bench added.
The matter was posted for further consideration on July 23rd. The Full Bench also extended all interim orders that have been passed by the High Court, Subordinate Courts and Tribunals till July 23rd.
Earlier, all interim orders passed by the High Court, Subordinate Courts and Tribunals were extended till July 19th by the Court and the matter was also adjourned till July 19th upon the consideration of the submissions that were made by the Advocate General on the situation of the pandemic in all the districts of Assam.
“Meanwhile, our initial order dated 10.05.2021 shall continue till the next date of listing”, the Bench added.