“Shortage Of Vaccine Would Render The Entire Vaccination Drive In The State Ineffective”: Karnataka High Court Directs Central Government To Consider State’s Representation For Supply Of Vaccine

Taking into consideration the facts & figures related to the supply of CoVID vaccine in the state & the number of people to whom the first & second dose of vaccine has the be administered, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka & Justice Aravind Kumar has directed the Central Government to consider the representation made by the State for supply of vaccine.

“At outset we must accept that it is well accepted that vaccination is a major step taken to prevent coronavirus pandemic.However the figures show that vaccination status in Karnataka is very disturbing. As per present guidelines those who have taken the first dose of Covaxin have to take the 2nd dose within 28 days. 9 lakh people who have taken 1st dose of Covaxin & who have completed 4 weeks have not been provided 2nd dose. Above 26 lakh who have received 1st dose of vaccine have not received 2nd dose as per the norms of Central Government. Hence it is obvious that if the present scenario continues, 1st dose of vaccination cannot be given to categories of front line workers & those above 45 plus.”, the Court remarked.

The Court also directed the State Government to present a map as to how the State Government proposed to administer vaccines to the ones who got the first dose & were awaiting for the second dose, how the state was planning to vaccinate all the individuals above the age of 45 years & marginalised sections of the society.

On the last date of hearing, the Court by order dated May 6, 2021 directed the State Government to immediately submit an indent/requisition to the concerned authority of the Central Government for supply of the required quantity of free doses of vaccines.

“All the details shall be provided by the State Government in the requisition. The State Government will also specify the number of beneficiaries who are likely to be deprived of the advantage of the first dose, if the second dose is not administered to them immediately. We direct the State Government to submit the indent/requisition with all particulars to the concerned authority of the Central Government during the course of the day. The concerned authority of the Central Government shall take an appropriate decision thereon immediately and in any event, within three days from the date of receipt of the requisition.”, the Court had also directed.

Keeping into consideration the issue of food security, the Court took note of the scheme to be implemented by the State Government for provision of cooked food for breakfast, lunch & dinner at Indira Canteens all over the state & directed the Advocate General for the state to submit the proposal by Thursday. The court also directed for implementation of the method adopted last year for supplying ration kits to door steps of identified individuals in case of extension of lockdown in the state after May 24, 2021.

“If the lockdown extends, the State Government would consider the way in which food would be delivered. We also direct the State Government to restore the helpline which was in existence last year where people could address their issues in cases of non receipt of food.”, the Court further added.

In addition to this, the Court emphasised on creation of a network for providing food to localities located far away from Indira Canteen.

Chief Justice Abhay Oka: This will have to be a very organised scheme so that all those who are not living close to Indira canteen are able to also get food. The network has to be created. We will have to ensure that the cooked food scheme reaches to the people who need the most. Attorney General, Thursday, please make a statement.

On the same aspect, the Court asked Additional Solicitor General Mr MB Nargund to provide clarification as to whether the Atma Nirbhar Scheme introduced by the Central Govt last year was in existence or not by the next date of hearing.

The Division Bench after taking into consideration the aspect of supply of oxygen in the State by the Central Government, the Court took note of the fact that the Central has increased the allocation of quota of oxygen to 1200MT & thereafter further directed the State Government to place on record the projected requirement for one week from tomorrow.

The Bench would now hear the matter on the aspect of supply of Remdesivir & other essential drugs tomorrow at 2:30 PM.