The Patna High Court on Tuesday once again urged the state government to revisit its earlier policy of not engaging with members of civil society while dealing with the various issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S Kumar highlighting the NGO engagement policy held that “in a democratic society, the Civil Society cannot be ignored, more so in the times of disaster.”
The Court observed that such acts of civil society, particularly those done on a voluntary basis without claiming any credit for rendering such services, will not have any adverse effect.
As per the order passed earlier,
the Court drew attention on the fact that 1/10th of the population of India lived in Bihar and with almost eight lakh people coming to the state from different parts of the country, the problem of human management needed to be addressed immediately.
“…the problem of human management itself, let alone anything else, needs to be addressed immediately for it cannot brook any delay, else it would adversely affect lives of each one residing in Bihar. The matter needs to be examined with a sense of urgency and seriousness.”
The Court also stressed on the need for increasing the number of tests to be conducted.
“Undoubtedly the task is horrendous and the issue is of prime importance. If approximately more than four lakhs persons have already entered the State and are housed at these Patna High Court quarantine centres, with an equal number expected to reach Bihar in the immediate future, the Administration must under all circumstances take measures in ensuring not only their safety and security, but also those who are already residing in the State.”
The Court directed Principal Secretary, Disaster Management Department, Government of Bihar to file affidavits on all the issues in this regard highlighted before the next date.
The matter will next be heard on May 22.
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