The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh Government to take immediate steps for securing safety, health and medical well-being of persons stranded in the communal violence in Muzaffarnagar.
Dealing with two petitions that painted a sordid tale of administrative lapses and inaction on part of the Centre and the State, the bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam was guarded in calling for a report by Monday from the Centre and the State on the immediate steps being taken to provide safe passage, medical aid, food, water and shelter for those trapped in the violence-torn areas.
Agreeing to this order, the UP Government attacked the petition for setting the stage for imposition of President Rule. “Health (of violence affected) is my responsibility and we will seek assistance of the Centre to provide food, accommodation,” the bench, also comprising Justices Ranjana Desai and Ranjan Gogoi said.
The bench held, “On going through various allegations leveled in the writ petitions, we are inclined to examine the matter.” The court further directed the State and the Centre to give necessary medical treatment to wounded and needy, and allowed them to be air-lifted to nearby hospitals.