Lekha G –
The Madras High Court has issued notice in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition which raised concern over reporting of Covid-19 deaths.
The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy has requested the Tamil Nadu Government to submit a preliminary report in the matter within two weeks.
The Court in its interim order noted that there have been grievances all over the country that the deaths caused by the pandemic have not been appropriately recorded.
The Court further observed that the reports of Covid-19 death would not only help in future studies but also serve purpose in cases where the relief for the families of persons who died due to Covid-19 may not be available unless the cause of death is attributed to Covid-19.
It also opined that a specialized team must take steps towards the approach of attributing death to Covid-19 where the patient suffered from co-morbidities.
It was further stated that the death certificates already issued maybe revised if only not to deny the relief to those who succumbed to Covid-19 through the several schemes announced by the State and Central Governments.
Further, a copy of the Plea was directed to be submitted to the Additional Solicitor General’s office so that the Centre could give its response.
“This has to be looked into, something done. We need reports for our scientific data, research purposes and also for immediate purpose.”, the Chief Justice Banerjee told the Attorney General.
The matter to be further heard on June 28.