Will treat action against social media Covid appeals as ‘contempt of court’: India's SC

The Supreme Court of India on Friday made it clear that no state can register FIR or take any action against appeals by the people of social media or otherwise asking for help during Covid-19 crisis. "We will treat this as contempt of our court. Let us hear the voices of our citizens and not clampdown," the top court said.

The apex court further said that the healthcare infrastructure has been inherited in the last 70 years and so the proceedings are not to criticise the Centre or states. "We are concerned only about the health of the people and it is not to pass a value judgment," it added.

The Supreme Court also asked what has been done to provide treatment to healthcare professionals who are contacting coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The top court was hearing a case where it took suo moto cognizance on issues related to oxygen supply, drug supply, and vaccine policy in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The apex court on April 22 took suo motu cognizance of the "alarming situation" in connection with various health emergencies including oxygen shortage, during the pandemic and issued notice to the Centre seeking a response on kinds of immediate and effective action it can take to handle such situation.

During the previous hearing, the court asked the Centre to present and apprise it as to whether a national plan can be prepared to handle this worrisome situation.

"It is grave concern to me as a citizen or judge. If citizens communicate their grievances on social media, we do not want clamp down on information. Let us hear the voices of citizens," Justice DY Chandrahud said during the hearing in the top court.

He also said that the Centre should show investment by it to ramp up the manufacture of vaccines. "This will be the most important intervention by Central government when private manufacturers have been funded to produce vaccines," Chandrachud added.