New Delhi: The Centre has told the Supreme Court that in dealing with the dynamic nature of numerous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, judges have little expertise and that the executives — both the Centre and states — in consultation with domain experts, were in a much better position to manage the distressing situation.
“In the context of a global pandemic, where the response and strategy of the nation is completely driven by expert medical and scientific opinion, there is little room for judicial interference. Any overzealous, though well-meaning, judicial intervention may lead to unforeseen and unintended consequences, in absence of any expert advice or administrative experience, leaving doctors, scientists, experts and the executive very little room to find innovative solutions on the go,” the Centre was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
The task force consists of experts from various cities. “In view of the constitution of an NTF and its terms and references, the central government respectfully defers its response on the issues mentioned in the SC order pertaining to generation, availability, procurement, allocation, supply, logistical plans for transportation of oxygen to states, its delivery by states to its hospitals and the manner of its administration to Covid-19 patients,” said the Centre.
The bench in its April 30 and May 6 orders asked the Centre several questions — from the nationalisation of vaccination to supply of essential drugs. This was viewed by the government as interference by the judiciary in policy decisions worked out in consultation between the central and state governments and domain experts.
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