‘Going out of control’: SC pulls up several states including Gujarat & Delhi over worsening COVID-19 situation

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday took note of the worsening coronavirus situation across several states in the country and sought response from the respective governments there.

The apex court directed the governments of Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Assam to file affidavits or status reports detailing the steps taken by them with regard to the current COVID-19 condition. The court asked the Central government to also file a similar affidavit.

In the affidavit, the respective governments are required to mention steps which they have taken, steps they intend to take, and the help required from the Centre to combat the COVID-19 situation.

A Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan specifically pulled up the governments of Gujarat and Delhi for the worsening COVID-19 situation there.

The top court noted that after Delhi and Maharashtra, the COVID-19 situation in Gujarat was also worsening and going out of control.

The court criticised the Gujarat government for allowing weddings and gatherings despite the rising COVID-19 cases. Gujarat is worst after Delhi and Maharashtra, the court stated.

The bench then posted the matter for hearing next on Friday.

The Supreme Court’s observations came shortly after that government said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual meet with chief ministers of eight states tomorrow to discuss the COVID-19 situation.