The Supreme Court on Thursday took suo motu cognizance of the COVID-19 situation in the country.
The situation is like a “national emergency”, the apex court said, adding that it is now planning to withdraw certain issues from various high courts and transfer those issues to itself.
The court said: “We as a court wish to take suo motu cognizance of certain issues. They (High Courts) are exercising jurisdiction in best interest. But it is creating confusion and diversion of resources.
The bench noted that six High Courts — Delhi, Bombay Sikkim, MP, Calcutta and Allahabad — were dealing with issues related to COVID management and it was creating confusion.
A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde also appointed senior advocate Harish Salve as amicus curiae in the matter.
The Supreme Court will hear the matters of lack of oxygen in hospitals, non-availability of life-saving drugs, and who has the right to impose a lockdown or start a COVID-19 vaccination drive on Friday (April 23).
