On April 26, the Aurangabad Bench of Bombay High Court comprising Justices Ravindra V Ghuge and BU Debadwar directed police in 11 Marathwada districts, in Maharashtra, to take strict action against people who are not wearing masks properly.
The Bench also directed that appropriate action will be taken against any politician or elected representative who is trying to help violators of covid norms and will be charged for causing obstacles in the discharge of duty by public servants.
These directions were issued by the bench in suo motu case enrolled by about covid issues based on newspaper reports concerning the covid situation.
Apart from these directions, the court also stated the following guidelines:
Mask is mandatory while riding a motorcycle, driving a car and so is carrying an Aadhaar card:
The Bench directed the lawmakers to take proper action against those people who are not wearing a helmet and mask even in their vehicles. Further, people who are traveling after Monday- Friday from 7 am- 11 pm have to carry their Aadhaar card to validate their reason for traveling. Medical professionals and government officers who are not on duty will also come under the ambit of this order.
Plan electric furnaces for crematoriums
After noticing that at funeral ghats people are demanding bribes and kerosene, the Bench directed the Divisional Commissioner of Aurangabad to take steps for setting up electric crematoriums. Court also remarked that, “there will be a constant check to ensure that relatives of deceased’s are not harassed for money to perform funeral rites”.
The Bench further stated that there is no need to take permission from local police if several people are within the limit while performing funeral rites.
Black marketing of Remdesivir
Bench strictly mentioned that any person found selling injections at higher prices will be punished under the provisions of IPC,1860.
Use alternatives to Remdesivir
The Bench stated that it is seen through a news report that there are alternatives of Remdesivir like Tocilizumab and Itolizumab and Virafin to help in the treatment of covid, and these drugs are equally effective in absence of Remdesivir.
These drugs are not publicized as much as Remdesivir which is leading in an increased demand and deficiency of Remdesivir.
Providing Rapid Antigen tests in primary health care centers
The Court observed an intervenor's submissions that in rural parts of Nanded, Maharashtra that numerous people are traveling due to improper health infrastructure which is further increasing mortality rate.
Taking note, the court directed civic authorities to provide a rapid antigen test kit in a primary health care center in all 12 districts and submit the progress report to the court on May 3, 2021.
The Aurangabad Bench also observed that recently Nagpur bench ordered the state to provide 10000 bottles of Remdesivir for the district after it was brought up that there was an unequal distribution of the medications.
The Court remarked that, “We want to explain; we don't intend to get the portion of testing units or Remdesivir injections from some other districts. We know about the criticism faced by the Nagpur Bench. We will say, follow your distribution strategy and ensure timely supply.”
