Court asks SG to convey it to all DGPs, wants free accessible vax programme
The Supreme Court on Friday emphasised the need for upholding of Freedom of Speech and said there can be no clampdown on citizens sharing their grievances on social media on Covid-19.
Any such actions by the authorities will be treated as contempt of the Supreme Court, a Bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and Ravindra Bhat said. The Bench directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to communicate this direction to all DGPs across India.
“I flag this issue at the outset. We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate their grievance on social media and the internet then it cannot be said it’s wrong information. We don’t want any clampdown of information. We will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances is considered for action,” Justice Chandrachud said.
“Let a strong message go to all the States and the DGPs of States. Clampdown of information contrary to basic precepts,” he added.
The Uttar Pradesh Government had recently ordered that strict civil and criminal action will be initiated against those making false appeals over social media seeking help for Covid-19.
The apex court is hearing a suo motu case initiated by it to examine issues relating to the management of the Covid-19 situation in the country.
During the hearing, judges frequently expressed displeasure on the rationale behind the different pricing of vaccines and suggested for uniform pricing and universal immunisation. The judges asked how poor people and people who belong to the marginalised section can access when at present vaccination registration is happening through website CoWIN only.
“What happens to the marginalised and SC/ST population? Should they be left to the mercy of private hospitals,” asked Justice Bhatt.
The Bench also said the Government must consider National Immunisation Programme for various vaccines and must think of providing free of cost vaccination to all citizens. The top court also said that private vaccine manufacturers cannot be allowed to decide which State should get how much. The Bench reminded Centre that it has powers to control prices, citing provisions in the Drugs Act.
During the argument between Centre and Delhi Government on oxygen supply, Justice Chandrachud told Delhi Government’s counsel Rahul Mehra that the Supreme Court wanted to send a message to Delhi Government to adopt a cooperative approach during the human tragedy.
“Please convey our message to the highest level that they have to keep politics aside, talk to the Centre. Politics is for election, at this time of humanitarian crisis each and every life needs to be taken care of,” said Justice Chandrachud.
The Bench also asked the Centre to ensure no local address proof of Covid-19 patients is sought by hospitals for admission. The Judges said that there should be no address proof or Aadhar Card seeking during admission of a patient. First preference will be to get treats, they said. The SC will deliver short order on Saturday on Friday’s hearing and asked Centre and State Governments to come with specific policies on next hearing, May 10.