Covid far from over: Delhi court seeks report on sample testing as cases surge

The Delhi High Court has directed the Central government to submit a status report within six weeks on the policy for Covid-19 sample collection, transport and testing, stressing that the pandemic is "far from over". The court's order comes in light of recent news reports highlighting a rise in Covid-19 cases across the country.

The direction was issued on May 28 after the court noted that no update had been provided regarding the outcome of a key meeting held on May 30, 2023. In that meeting, the Centre decided to constitute four expert subcommittees, comprising specialists in pathology, biochemistry, haematology and microbiology from Central Government Hospitals, to define Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for sample collection, set up collection centres and formulate a policy for transport and storage of Covid-19 samples.

While the court acknowledged that a Contempt Petition may not stand given that such a decision had been taken, it expressed concern over the apparent lack of follow-up. "Even though on first blush, the Contempt Petition may not subsist...the vacuum, if any, of steps taken post the meeting of 30th May 2023, is a serious issue," the court said.

Observing that there are "wide reports of Covid-19 being active in the community," the court underscored the urgency of formalising protocols and submitting a clear status update. "Though the Court is sanguine that steps would have been taken and protocols would have been in place, it is imperative for the respondent to place the same on record," it said.

The court directed Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Monika Arora to personally ensure that the concerned officers are apprised of the order and that a detailed status report is filed within six weeks. The matter will next be heard on July 18, 2025.

As of 8:00 am on Monday, India had 3,961 active Covid-19 cases and 28 deaths, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In the national capital Delhi, the active cases stood at 294.