In a first, the Uttarkahand High Court heard two public interest litigations via video conferencing. These two PILs were regarding the protection equipment provided to doctors and paramedical staff, and issues related to farmers considering the lockdown imposed for containment of the spread of COVID-19.
Hearing on the petition regarding protection equipment for doctors, other medical staff and other aspects of COVID-19 treatment, the division bench of justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ravindra Maithani has directed the government to submit a reply by April 18. Advocate Dushyant Mainali had filed the PIL seeking proper protective equipment for doctors and security arrangements for them. Raising questions at the safety of doctors and medical staff working on the frontline against COVID-19, the petitioner had contended that instead of PPE kits, the doctors and related staff were provided HIV kits which are not effective in protection from COVID-19.
The court has asked the Government to inform about the number of protective kits provided to doctors and medical staff, and measures taken for their security. The court has also asked if there is possibility of and whether the Government can set up laboratories for COVID-19 test in Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar and Ramnagar. The government has also been directed to prepare guidelines for provision of telemedicine facilities in hospitals.
Hearing the second PIL regarding problems being faced by farmers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the division bench asked the Central and State Governments what guidelines have been issued for harvesting of the Rabi crop.
The court has also asked if the State Government can facilitate the purchase of the Rabi harvest without crowding.
The court has sought a reply by April 18. Murli Manohar Srivastav had filed this PIL stating that the Rabi crop was ready to harvest but the harvest and sale was being affected by the lockdown.