SUO MOTU Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We take notice of the very first order that came to be passed dated 13th March 2020 by a Division Bench headed by the Honourable the Chief Justice. The order reads thus:

(2.) "The Ahmedabad Mirror" dated 11th May 2020 (a publication of the Times of India) as well as the Indian Express dated 11th March 2020 has published few news items, which are very disturbing, painful and heartbreaking. We have thought fit to take suo motu cognizance of the following news item published in "The Ahmedabad Morror" dated 11 th May 2020. We take cognizance of the first news item titled as under:

(3.) It appears that on account of complete lockdown, which has been declared by the State Government, people at large are finding it extremely difficult to avail the necessary medical services. If a particular person is tested COVID­19 positive, then he can get himself admitted in the Civil Hospital or any private hospitals as authorised by the State Government. However, people with other ailments requiring immediate medical treatment are finding it extremely hard and difficult to reach upto a particular hospital or avail medical facilities. This is what has been highlighted in the news item. This is something very serious and needs immediate attention. If a person has any other ailment and is in need of medical treatment, then he cannot be asked to remain himself locked in his house. Necessary arrangement should be made in such circumstances to ensure that the ailing person is able to reach to a particular hospital or a clinic and seek immediate medical treatment. Some modalities in this regard needs to be worked out at the earliest. Otherwise, some case may prove to be fatal and that would be the most unfortunate thing that can happen with the family.