‘COVID Far From Over’: Delhi HC Seeks Centre’s Report On Sample Collection SOPs
Noting that COVID-19 is far from over, the court asked the Centre to submit its report on finalising COVID-19 sample collection SOPs;
Amid the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, the Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government to file a status report within six weeks, detailing the policy for COVID-19 sample collection, transport, and testing.
Observing that the next COVID pandemic is far from over and remains active in the community, a bench led by Justice Anish Dayal issued the direction.
A contempt petition had been filed before the court by Rohit Jain, highlighting that even after a 2023 court order, the Centre had not finalised the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for COVID-19 sample collection, sample transport policy, and storage standards.
The Court noted that a meeting was held on 30th May 2023, chaired by the Additional DG of Health Services, where expert sub-committees (Pathology, Biochemistry, Haematology, and Microbiology) were formed to draft the SOPs. However, no update was placed on record with respect to the same.
Acknowledging that the contempt petition might not survive as the issue had been partly dealt with, the court was of the view that certain issues still remain unresolved.
"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," the court added.
Taking note of the urgency of the situation as COVID cases are still being reported, the court said the respondent must crystallize an urgent set of measures to ensure that these SOPs are finalized and that the decisions taken in the meeting reach their proper conclusion.
Accordingly, the Court directed the Central Government to file a status report within six weeks.
The matter will now be heard on July 18, 2025.
For Petitioners: Ms. Mrinmoi Chatterjee, Adv. (through VC).
For Respondents: Ms. Monika Arora, CGSC, Mr. Subhrodeep Saha, Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Ms. Anamika Thakur, Advs. Mr. Amit Gupta, SPC, Mrs. Prerna Dhall, Adv. for UO
Case Title: Dr. Rohit Jain versus Sh Apurva Chandra