No stay in HC order directing Karnataka to open Kerala border

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court did not stay the order of the Kerala High Court directing the centre to remove blockades erected by Karnataka on the national highways connecting the two states in the backdrop of coronavirus lockdown so as to allow free movement of vehicles carrying the sick for urgent medical treatment. The court had mentioned that guidelines for movement of vehicles carrying the sick should be facilitated. The apex court also directed to find a solution after holding talks with the chief secretaries of the two states. A final verdict in the case is expected by Tuesday.

The order came amid reports of deaths of at least seven seriously ill persons after the ambulances carrying them to hospitals in Mangaluru, 15 kms from Kasaragod, were allegedly not allowed by Karnataka police on the borders. The court said the national highways come under the jurisdiction of the central government and that the provisions of the National Highways Act clearly provide for the maintenance of such highways by it. The act even provides for penal measures to be taken against anyone blocking such a highway, it said.