Don’t stop ambulances entering Telangana: High Court

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday issued directions to the State government and the police with regard to the implementation of the lockdown being imposed from Wednesday. A two-judge panel, comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy, on Tuesday took up the hearing on an expedited basis after several news reports […]

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday issued directions to the State government and the police with regard to the implementation of the lockdown being imposed from Wednesday.

A two-judge panel, comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy, on Tuesday took up the hearing on an expedited basis after several news reports about violation of physical distancing guidelines in the Old City emerged.

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The panel, having noted that the period of the lockdown encompassing the festival of Ramzan, directed the police to collect video surveillance in prominent places and submit the same to the court to ensure that lockdown guidelines are implemented on the said day. The panel directed the State to ensure that no ambulances are prevented from entering the State as it would impede the rights of citizens for free movement between territories. It voiced displeasure on the restrictions imposed on ambulances in light of the fact that the government in its affidavit on April 23 had stated that it does not intend to impose any restriction on inter-State travel due to a Central government advisory.

The panel said no Covid-19 patient should be denied entry into the State. The Advocate-General pointed out that emergency passes would be issued for individuals who intend to get vaccinated during the period of the lockdown. The panel, having heard the submissions of the senior counsel appearing for the petitioner on the question of migrant workers, orally directed the State to ensure that facilities for their accommodation or safe travel are arranged. It also directed the Centre to continue supplying oxygen and lifesaving drugs to Telangana.

The panel asked the government to file an affidavit on how it plans to fix the maximum retail price in hospitals and for lifesaving drugs. The panel posted the case for further hearing on May 17.

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