Telangana HC pats State Police for implementing strict lockdown
Govt told to form expert committee, a task force to deal with grievances, set up mobile markets to avoid public congregations
Hyderabad: A two-judge panel of Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy on Monday appreciated the efforts of Director General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad and Rachakonda Police for ensuring strict compliance of the lockdown for Covid-appropriate behaviour.
A report was filed by them indicating the action taken across the State in view of the lockdown. Advocate General BS Prasad stated that migrant workers were actively working in their respective jobs and if need arises for them to return to their native place, transport facilities shall be arranged by the government.
A series of directions were issued by the High Court stating that an expert committee must be constituted, a task force must be created to deal with public grievances, Covid care facilities must be established, mobile markets in each colony must be established to avoid public congregations, Women & Child Welfare Department shall report their actions pertaining to child protection and rehabilitation and sufficiently identify the children who lost both the parents so that they do not succumb to human trafficking.
At its special hearing on Monday, the panel took note of the recent development of the supply of oxygen and life-saving drugs increased by the Central government to enable Telangana to adequately address the difficulties faced in this regard for treating patients who are coming from outside the State.
As a result of direct intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre revised the allocation of oxygen to Telangana from 450 MT to 650 MT and Remdesivir from 5,500 to 10,000 vials of injections per day. The panel directed that an appropriate task force shall be set up to monitor allocation of oxygen and other life-saving drugs. The onus is on the State to approach the task force for increase in allocation, if required.
The panel expressed its satisfaction with the manner in which the three Commissioners discharged their duties in their respective jurisdictions as directed by the court. It also appreciated the report filed by DG of Police pertaining to instructions issued for the lockdown guidelines and efforts were made to deal with black marketing and profiteering during a health crisis. On mention by the senior counsel that certain markets were still being overcrowded during the shopping time, the panel voiced concern that the spirit of efficiency exhibited by the senior officers will percolate downwards.
On steroids in medical kits
In a letter written to the panel by a doctor, the court observed that the government was providing medical kits which contain steroids which are scheduled drugs and cannot be given without prescription and especially without ICMR prescribing the same.
Furthermore, the court directed the Government of Telangana to come up with a strategy for dealing with third wave which has been predicted by medical experts. The government was also directed to consider the people who contracted Covid-19 and passed away during their election duty and compensate them accordingly.
The DGP was directed to ensure that the commissioners of police along with senior officers sensitise their units at all levels that anybody approaching for admission for any medical services will not lead to loss of life.
The matter was adjourned to June 1 for further hearing directing the Director of Medical Health to appear before the court. The government was directed to submit a detailed report on various aspects specified in the directions.
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