HC ASKS CENTRE TO APPRISE IT OF PROGRESS ON COVID-19 VACCINE
The Allahabad high court on Monday directed the Centre to apprise it of the progress in the trials of a vaccine for Covid-19 and its proposed completion date.
On complaints of sub-standard face masks and sanitiser being sold in Uttar Pradesh, the court sought information about the standards and guidelines set by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with regard to such articles.
A bench of justice Siddhartha Varma and justice Ajit Kumar passed the order in a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed over the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
The court said police personnel on the streets were often seen not wearing face masks themselves and wondered that in such a scenario how could they effectively implement its order on “100-per cent population masking”.
During the hearing, the counsel assisting the bench made various suggestions such as police monitoring in every district to ensure that people properly followed the unlock guidelines. They said people must be stopped from eating at roadside eateries and should only be allowed to take away packed food from such places.
Earlier on September 23, the court had directed the police to ensure a “100-per cent population masking” wherein all wore masks, covered mouth and nose while stepping out of their home. The court had also instructed the police to take strict action against the violators. The court had directed to set up task forces in each police station of Uttar Pradesh to implement its order.