As the country is currently facing a national emergency like situation, the Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognisance of the situation and has asked the Centre to submit its plan on Covid preparedness especially the supply of oxygen and medicines. The court has also asked for the details of the nationwide vaccination drive plan.
The bench that comprised of Chief Justice SA Bobde, Justice S.Ravindra Bhat and Justice L .Nageshwar Rao had taken note that the High Courts of Bombay, Sikkim. Odisha, Calcutta and Ahmedabad were hearing matters related to Covid preparedness and it was creating diversion and confusion.
The Chief Justice noted that the right to impose lockdown should be reserved with the states and that the courts should not have a say in the matter.
Senior Advocate Harish Salve has been appointed as amicus curiae in the case. He is at present in London and appeared before the court through video-conferencing in another case. Salve stated that his Delhi office will coordinate with the solicitor general in the matter.
