Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of handling of dead bodies of COVID-19 patients

In a big development, Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of concern surrounding treatment of COVID-19 patients in hospitals across country along with serious concern of disposal of bodies of deceased patients.

Late in evening on Thursday, Supreme Court decided to take suo motu cognisance of issues and matter has been placed for hearing before a bench of Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice MR Shah on Friday.

This is second issue surrounding pandemic on which Supreme Court has decided to act on ir own. Earlier this year, Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of migrant crisis that had hit country with crores of migrant labourers travelling back to ir home States in wake of nationwide lockdown that was in place for over three months.

READ | Palghar Mob Lynching: Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Plea For Transfer Of Case To NIA

READ | AGR Case: SC Directs Telecom Companies To File Affidavit On Repayment Of Dues

Reports of lack of beds, high cost treatment

Several reports have emerged which have raised serious concerns regarding lack of beds and high cost of treatment in private hospitals across country for COVID positive patients. Many instances also highlight rising concern of dignified disposal of dead bodies at hospital as well as during last rites. Supreme Court’s intervention into matter can come as a huge relief to citizens struggling to access hospitals during this time.

matter will be taken up for hearing tomorrow, during which Centre along with State governments are likely to appear to clear ir stand on what is being done for proper treatment of COVID-19 patients and dignified handling of dead bodies in hospitals.

READ | Access To Justice In Supreme Court Ensured By VC Hearings, Writes Sr Adv Sidharth Luthra

READ | SC Takes te Of COVID-19 Infection Among Children In Tamil Nadu Shelter Home, Seeks Report