Telangana HC Reviews PIL Against TRS, Asks Detailed Report Over COVID-19

The Telangana High Court (HC) on the 15th of April, reviewed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the precautionary measures of the State Government, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS.)

Professor Vishweshwar Rao, the Vice President of the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS,) and Dr. Cheruku Sudhakar, a resident of Nalgonda filed a PIL in the HC.  The PIL was filed against the TRS for not taking the necessary measures to fight the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.

According to sources, Mr. Rao and Dr. Sudhakar complained of lack of proper quarantine homes, shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for doctors and supply of essential commodities at high prices, especially to hostel students, migrant labourers and the economically disadvantaged.

P.S.S. Kailash Nath who was representing Dr. Sudhakar and Prof. Rao argued and said the PIL specifically makes mention about the unpreparedness of the State Government to tackle the Coronavirus in Telangana.

A bench of HC judges comprising of Chief Justice Raghvendra Singh Chauhan and Justice T. Amarnath Goud reviewed the PIL through a video conference.  During the hearing, the Court asked the State Government to submit a complete report on the measures taken to curb the virus, medical facilities provided and other arrangements.

The Court also asked Dr. Shankar, the Director of the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Hyderabad, to appear before the HC on the 20th of April and explain the pandemic situation in Telangana.

B.S. Prasad, the lawyer representing the State Government submitted the final report on the steps taken by the Government to prevent the spread of the disease.   

However, the Court was dissatisfied and asked to him to submit the complete report once again and adjourned the matter for the next hearing.  The Telangana High Court also asked the State Government to take strict action against those who misbehave with the doctors treating the COVID-19 patients.

The Court said, “Their morale will be affected if no action is taken.  Let the public know about the action taken against errant persons and that no such incidents take place in future.”

The next hearing regarding the PIL is scheduled for the 20th of April.