A bench of Justice Siddharth Verma and Justice Ajit Kumar of Allahabad High Court directed the State Government to increase and improve the investigation of rural population and also to provide adequate health facilities. On the issue of vaccination, the court suggested that large business houses availing income tax exemption by donating to various religious organizations may be asked to donate their money for the vaccine.
The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the instructions passed by the Allahabad High Court relating to the management of Covid-19 in Uttar Pradesh, saying that it is impossible to implement them. The High Court had also said in its order that the medical systems in UP are ‘Ram Bharose’.
While appreciating the efforts of various state High Courts judges in hearing Covid-19 cases, it said, “We are of the opinion that High Courts should consider the possibility of directions and the court should avoid passing the orders which are impossible.”
“We have balanced the order. We don’t want to demoralise the High Courts and the state government too,” the Apex Court said.
On behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta pleaded for a stay before the bench of Justice Vineet Sharan and Justice BR Gavai by referring to this order of May 17 by the High Court. After which the bench stayed the High Court order. The directions passed by the High Court also stated that all beds reserved for treatment of Covid-19 in nursing homes should have oxygen facilities.
But the Supreme Court turned down the solicitor general’s request and said that we cannot pass any such order. The constitution of the bench is under the jurisdiction of the Chief Justice. We cannot interfere in that.
The Supreme Court also said at the end of the hearing that we cannot discourage the High Court. We have tried to balance the order. The Supreme Court has appointed the next date of hearing on July 14, appointing senior advocate Nidhesh Gupta as amicus curiae in this case.
The High Court had also suggested in its order that cities with B grade and C grade should have at least 20 ambulance facilities. Also, within a month, every village was asked to provide at least two ambulances (with ICU facilities). During the hearing in the Supreme Court, it was also said by the UP government that there are 97000 villages in the state and it is not possible to provide this facility in all the villages within a month.