SC Takes Up COVID Crisis Suo Motu, SC Lawyers Oppose Move

The court said it will examine whether to transfer these issues from the high courts to itself at a later stage.

On Thursday, 22 April, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of the crisis unravelling in the country due to the second surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. The apex court registered a case, suo motu, on the management of issues arising in various states due to rising COVID cases.

While taking up the case, the bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde also appointed Senior Advocate Harish Salve as amicus curiae to assist the court on this matter.

“We as a court wish to take suo motu cognisance of certain issues. We find that there are six high courts – Delhi, Bombay Sikkim, MP, Calcutta, and Allahabad. They are exercising jurisdiction in the best interest. But it is creating confusion and diversion of resources.”

Supreme Court